Anutin and Luxon inspect CT-4 as Thailand weighs more trainers

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon accompanied Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on a visit to NZAero at Ardmore Airport in Auckland on Friday (August 21), where Anutin signalled that Thailand could consider acquiring more New Zealand-built training aircraft.

The visit formed part of Anutin’s official trip to New Zealand, held as the two countries mark 70 years of diplomatic relations and elevate their ties to a strategic partnership.

Stephen Burrows, chief executive officer of NZAero, welcomed the two leaders and briefed them on the company’s operations.

He described NZAero as a leading New Zealand commercial aircraft manufacturer with more than 70 years of history and the capability to build complete aircraft from raw materials through to final assembly. The company is known for manufacturing durable aircraft certified for operation in demanding conditions.

CT-4 has trained thousands of Thai pilots

Burrows highlighted NZAero’s longstanding relationship with the Royal Thai Air Force, particularly through the CT-4 Airtrainer, known in Thailand by the nickname “Chicken”.

He said the aircraft had served Thai aviation for 54 years and had been used to train more than 3,500 pilots since 1973.

Burrows added that the second aircraft produced in the series was personally received by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great.

Official NZAero records show that the Royal Thai Air Force has operated the CT-4 continuously since 1973, making Thailand one of the aircraft’s longest-standing users. The manufacturer also records that aircraft serial number 002 was presented to the King of Thailand.

Burrows also praised Thailand as a global pioneer in artificial rainmaking, noting similarities between the Royal Rainmaking programme and New Zealand’s expertise in aerial agricultural spraying.

NZAero presented a video demonstrating the capabilities of its multipurpose SuperPac 750XL-II aircraft.

According to the presentation, the aircraft can carry up to about 2.27 tonnes, or 5,000 pounds, and requires a take-off or landing distance of only about 200 metres. It is suited to agricultural operations, wildfire suppression and transport missions.

NZAero describes the SuperPac as an extremely short take-off and landing utility aircraft intended for cargo, medical evacuation and access to remote areas.

Companies sign MoU on Royal Thai Air Force fleet

The two prime ministers also witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Top Flying Limited and NZAero.

The agreement focuses on comprehensive support for the Royal Thai Air Force’s CT-4 fleet, including maintenance, engineering assistance for aircraft upgrades, spare-parts and supply-chain management, knowledge exchange and training.

It also covers the development of future capabilities intended to ensure that Thailand’s CT-4 aircraft can continue operating safely, reliably and efficiently.

The cooperation is intended to reinforce trust between the air force as the operator and NZAero as the manufacturer, while ensuring that the aircraft remain ready to train the next generation of Thai military pilots.

NZAero has previously signed agreements to provide parts and technical support for Thailand’s CT-4 fleet, including cooperation on modernising the aircraft with updated avionics and systems.

Luxon praises Anutin’s volunteer flying work

Luxon described Anutin as a “real pilot”, referring to his volunteer work flying donated organs and medical teams to transplant operations across Thailand.

The New Zealand prime minister said the two countries shared a special aviation relationship spanning more than 70 years, during which New Zealand had exported about 70 aircraft to Thailand.

He also praised the achievements of Thailand’s Royal Rainmaking programme and said New Zealand was proud that Her Majesty the Queen had trained on the CT-4.

Luxon welcomed the memorandum of understanding between the Thai company and NZAero, saying it would deepen cooperation in aircraft maintenance and technology.

He also joked that New Zealand farmer and aviation pioneer Richard Pearse had flown before the Wright brothers, but had simply failed to announce the achievement to the world.

Anutin to raise possible purchase with air force chief

Anutin responded that seeing the CT-4 had brought back memories of the two countries’ longstanding aviation cooperation.

He said Royal Thai Air Force personnel could hardly be regarded as fully trained pilots without first completing basic flying instruction on the CT-4.

That included Her Majesty the Queen, who began her elementary flight training on the aircraft before progressing to training on the Gripen fighter, he added.

Anutin said he would ask the commander-in-chief of the Royal Thai Air Force to consider acquiring additional aircraft from New Zealand.

Thai personnel and flying instructors were already highly familiar with the aircraft, reducing the need for extensive retraining while helping maintain aviation safety standards, he explained.

Further procurement could also turn the two countries’ longstanding aviation relationship into more tangible business cooperation.

“Although I have not come here today to buy aircraft, I would like to buy the lectern made from an aircraft propeller because it is an outstanding piece of engineering,” Anutin joked, drawing smiles from those attending.

He also thanked Luxon for taking the time to welcome the Thai delegation personally.

Leaders sit together in CT-4 cockpit

At the end of the visit, NZAero executives showed the two leaders an aircraft exhibition and provided a close-up demonstration of the CT-4 Airtrainer.

Anutin climbed into the main pilot’s seat of a CT-4E Airtrainer, while Luxon sat beside him in the co-pilot’s position.

The informal cockpit appearance concluded the visit and highlighted the close aviation and diplomatic relationship between Thailand and New Zealand.