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Air New Zealand has unveiled Hangar 4, a state-of-the-art aircraft maintenance facility that represents one of the airline’s most significant infrastructure investments.
Forming part of the airline’s Auckland maintenance base in Māngere, Hangar 4 marks a step forward in operational capability and long-term growth strategy. Designed to serve the next 50 years of aviation, the new facility positions Air New Zealand at the forefront of modern fleet maintenance as it prepares for the arrival of next-generation aircraft.
At 10,000 square metres, 35 metres high and 98 metres wide, Hangar 4’s scale allows Air New Zealand engineers to service a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and two Airbus A320/A321s simultaneously, supported by an additional 5,000 square metres of specialist workshops and engineering spaces. Cutting a striking figure on the South Auckland skyline, the hangar has already become a landmark for arriving travellers.
Air New Zealand chief executive Greg Foran says the opening of Hangar 4 is a proud moment for the airline.
“This is a state-of-the-art facility that will enable us to maintain our fleet to the highest standards of safety and performance, while giving us the flexibility to adapt as aircraft technology evolves.
“This investment ensures we have fit-for-purpose, modern infrastructure for our engineers to service our fleet. The investment also signals our confidence in our future – in our people, our country, and in the proud role we play in connecting New Zealanders to each other and New Zealand to the world,” says Greg.
An official opening event was attended by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who was Air New Zealand chief executive when Hangar 4 was first announced in 2019.
“It’s great to see this project delivered and ready to help Air New Zealand in its role of driving tourism and trade,” says Luxon.
“Infrastructure like this is critical for New Zealand, and Air New Zealand’s future. It supports highly skilled jobs and is future-fit for new innovation and growth.”
Innovation and sustainability at the heart of Hangar 4
Hangar 4, which is targeting a 6 Green Star rating from the New Zealand Green Building Council, is the largest single-span timber arch aircraft hangar in the southern hemisphere.
Timber was chosen for its lighter weight, ability to be sourced sustainably — from plantations in Nelson and Wodonga — and for its performance in a coastal environment.
An ETFE roof delivers natural light and retains heat without the need for a heating system, aided by ceiling fans that circulate warm air in winter and provide cooling in summer.
Prefabricated trusses, each weighing 38 tonnes, were built in 25-metre sections, assembled on site and lifted into place using New Zealand’s largest crawler crane – a unique construction method at this scale.
Underground service pits eliminate the need for surface cabling, offering both flexibility and efficiency for maintenance teams. The structure also connects with the adjacent Hangar 3 via shared workshops and tool stores, boosting efficiency across maintenance programmes.
