A Christchurch aviation company is inviting the public behind the scenes as it celebrates more than 40 years in operation.

GCH Aviation will host a community open day on Saturday 18 April from 10am to 3pm at its base on Grays Road in Yaldhurst, with up to 3000 people expected to attend.

Founded by the Currie family in 1983 as Christchurch’s first city based helicopter operator, the business has grown into a national provider supporting air ambulance, rescue, tourism and charter services across New Zealand.

The Currie family said, “This is really about acknowledging the community we’ve operated in for more than 40 years.

“Christchurch has been a major part of our journey from the beginning, and we’re looking forward to welcoming people in to see what happens behind the hangar doors.”

Visitors will be able to get close to a range of aircraft, including a Vampire jet, the DC 3 Spirit of Douglas, and a Challenger 604 business jet.

Pilots and rescue crew will be on site to explain how aviation supports emergency medical response, rescue operations and tourism across the South Island.

The event will also include food trucks, a coffee van, aircraft displays, and live rescue and paramedic demonstrations, with helicopter flights available.

A gold coin donation is encouraged, with proceeds going to the New Zealand Flying Doctor Trust and the Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust.

Families, aviation enthusiasts and members of the public are invited to attend.