INFLITE, one of New Zealand’s leading aviation tourism companies, has greatly expanded its skydive operations, announcing the acquisition of Skydive Abel Tasman and in September, the opening of Skydive Mt Cook.
Nelson Tasman Air also joins INFLITE, adding to its scenic flight experiences throughout New Zealand.
The new businesses complement existing operations Skydive Franz Josef, Mount Cook Ski Planes and Helicopters, INFLITE Taupo, INFLITE Auckland and INFLITE Charters. Skydive Abel Tasman has been operated by founder Stuart Bean for almost 30 years. A life-long skydiver who did his first jump at age 19, Stuart is now regarded as amongst the best in the business with more than 17,000 skydives to his name and is also a commercial pilot with over 3000 hours. Stuart will remain involved with the business.
"I am delighted to have the business transfer to a company with the same culture and values I share with the team in Abel Tasman,” he says. “My staff are looking forward to the opportunities that a nationwide operator can bring and have really supported me through the process. I believe the company is in good hands with a bright future ahead." The acquisition of Skydive Abel Tasman adds a dedicated and experienced team of skydive staff to the existing INFLITE team, along with an additional Pilatus PC-6 Porter to its fleet. Nelson Tasman Air offer stunning scenic flights in both helicopters and fixed wing aircraft flying into the Abel Tasman National Park. This business complements Skydive Abel Tasman, located side-by-side at Motueka Airport. Skydive Mt Cook will open in September 2019 in a brand-new purpose-built facility at Pukaki Airport. INFLITE has operated Mount Cook Ski Planes and Helicopters since 2015.
"INFLITE is embarking on an exciting period of growth,” says INFLITE CEO Adam Joyce. “These are significant developments for us and have been in the works for some time. This greatly expands our product offering in New Zealand and cements our commitment to delivering incredible visitor experiences. We’re thrilled to welcome the teams at Skydive Abel Tasman and Nelson Tasman Air into the company."
Skydive Abel Tasman is a unique and unforgettable freefall experience, offering incredible views of both the North and South Islands. At Skydive Mt Cook, visitors will be able to choose from 9,000ft, 13,000ft or 16,500ft jumps with views of Aoraki/Mt Cook, Lake Pukaki, Lake Tekapo, both the East and West Coasts and Te Wahipounamu – South West New Zealand World Heritage Area.
"By combining and sharing expertise and knowledge across all our locations, will enable us to improve the quality and increase capacity of all of our experiences,” says Adam. “Having multiple successful businesses under the umbrella of INFLITE offers our customers variety and choice, with a consistent customer experience".
