Aerospace

New Zealand’s First Boeing P-8A Poseidon Rolls Out of Paint Shop

The first P-8A Poseidon for New Zealand, sporting the colours of the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF). One of the eight countries to purchase the P-8 as their new multi-mission maritime patrol aircraft is New Zealand. According to Sheena Vince Cruz, programme manager for the Boeing P-8 Asia-Pacific area, “the aircraft incorporates the distinctive Kiwi roundel, a native bird to New Zealand.” Despite being incapable of flight, the Kiwi bird is identifiable and will continue to “fly” as an emblem on the P-8A for decades to come.

The New Zealand Government purchased four Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft that will eventually replace the current fleet of six aging P-3K2 Orion aircraft. The P-8As will provide advanced capabilities to maintain situational awareness in neighboring waters on and below the surface of the ocean .The mission systems will be installed after the first flight, which is anticipated for the upcoming weeks. The delivery of the aircraft to the New Zealand Ministry of Defense is scheduled for later this year.

Boeing is a market leader in the aerospace industry and develops, produces, and maintains commercial aircraft, defence goods, and space equipment for clients in over 150 nations. As one of the top exporters from the United States, the business makes use of the skills of a large network of international suppliers to enhance economic opportunity, sustainability, and community impact. The diverse workforce at Boeing is dedicated to leading with sustainability, inventing for the future, and fostering an environment that is built on the organization’s core values of integrity, quality, and safety.

Aerospace

Boeing’s Aurora Flight Sciences Expands Columbus Plant by 50,000 Sqft

Credit:Aurora Flight Sciences

Aurora Flight Sciences, a subsidiary of Boeing, has launched a significant expansion of its manufacturing facility near the Golden Triangle Regional Airport in Columbus, Mississippi.

This ambitious project will add 50,000 square feet of new space, renovate 40,000 square feet of the existing facility, and introduce advanced automation equipment, robotics, and non-destructive inspection technologies. mcas boeing enhancements will support the growing demand for Aurora’s aerospace systems business.

Since its establishment, Aurora Mississippi has specialized in the production of advanced composite components and assemblies for both military and commercial aircraft. The company first opened in 2005 at Mississippi State University’s Raspet Flight Research Laboratory in Starkville before relocating to its current site in Columbus two years later.

Initially occupying 21,000 square feet, the facility has since grown to encompass over 120,000 square feet, featuring cutting-edge manufacturing technologies such as automated fiber placement. Aurora’s latest expansion is a strategic investment aimed at increasing production capacity for composite components like boeing titanium used in executive jets and the MQ-25TM Stingray composite skins, a key project for its parent company, Boeing.

Additionally, the facility will produce components for NASA’s X-66 sustainable flight demonstrator aircraft, further diversifying its portfolio. Currently employing around 100 full-time staff in Mississippi, Aurora plans to hire more than 60 additional team members by the end of 2025.

Aurora’s expansion project underscores its commitment to Mississippi’s growing aerospace and advanced manufacturing sector. The company maintains strong partnerships with Mississippi State University (MSU) and East Mississippi Community College (EMCC), contributing to research, higher education, and workforce development in advanced manufacturing.

Additionally, Aurora actively supports local K-12 STEM education through summer camps and collaborates with high school vocational education programs. The expansion and renovation project will be carried out in phases over the next two years, with completion expected by 2026. This development marks a significant milestone in Aurora’s ongoing growth and its role in advancing aerospace manufacturing in Mississippi.