Pacific Aerospace looks for more staff as demand soars

Waikato plane maker Pacific Aerospace says it needs more staff and a bigger factory to keep up with new orders for its aircraft.

Since aviation authorities gave approval for its flagship PAC 750XL plane to fly in the US, orders have been growing.

Potential buyers of the plane have signed up for 255 options - most of which were waiting for Federal Aviation Administration approval. Now this approval has been given, these options are becoming firm orders, with 20 now confirmed.

Australian aviation authorities have also recently given the plane approval to fly in their skies, and one aircraft left Hamilton this week for a new home near Sydney.

Pacific Aerospace describes the PAC 750XL as the first passenger aircraft designed and built in New Zealand.

While popular with skydivers, the 750XL is being promoted as a "genuine multi-purpose plane", suitable for carrying cargo, reconnaissance, sightseeing, commuting, mineral exploration, medical and mineral use.

Company chief executive Brian Hare said that within one year his company could have aircraft in seven different markets, including Europe, the US, Australia and New Zealand. Three planes already being built were earmarked for Switzerland, the UK and the US.

Pacific Aerospace has hired 40 new permanent workers since November and hopes to have around 250 staff within four years. Each of its planes sells for around $1.7 million.