A file image of RNZAF C-130Hs. (RNZAF)

From July, aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), design and manufacturing company Safe Air will be renamed Airbus New Zealand Limited.

The change comes after the company, which has operations in Blenheim, Ohakea, Auckland and Melbourne, was purchased by Airbus Group Australia Pacific from Air New Zealand in June 2015.

Airbus Group Australia Pacific acting vice-president for fixed-wing Martin Ball confirmed the rebranding of Safe Air on Monday.

Ball said existing contracts, purchase orders and other agreements were unaffected by the name change, with Airbus New Zealand to remain a separate legal entity registered in New Zealand and keep the same company registration number.

“Both Airbus in Europe and our team in the Australia Pacific region have been impressed by the strength of the relationship that Safe Air has with its suppliers, and the breadth of services the company offers,” Ball said.

“This has been and will continue to be enhanced under Airbus ownership as the benefits of being a part of a leading global aerospace company are realised. We remain committed to retaining a long-term footprint in New Zealand and maintaining our relationships with our suppliers.”

Safe Air’s main facility is in Blenheim and is responsible for Royal New Zealand Air Force P-3K2 Orion and C-130H Hercules airframe, engine and propeller maintenance.

Its significant propeller overhaul business also has New Zealand and Australian regional airlines as clients, as well as the Royal Australian Air Force.