GCH Aviation is inviting the public behind the scenes as it marks more than 40 years of flying in Christchurch, with a major open day planned for Saturday 18 April from 10:00am to 3:00pm.

Managing Director Daniel Currie said the event would give people a rare opportunity to step inside one of the country’s most diverse aviation operations and experience the industry up close.

“I think aviation is one of those pioneering things. It connects us to the world, especially here in New Zealand being an island, and people really enjoy the opportunity to get out and see it,” he said.

“Even locally, seeing the city and the changes over time, the scenery around Christchurch is pretty amazing.”

“I don’t think you ever really see many people come off a helicopter flight that aren’t smiling.”

The company began in 1983 as a small operation offering scenic flights and has since grown into a nationwide aviation provider employing around 150 staff across five bases.

“It started off with a single little helicopter offering simple scenic flights down in Brighton Beach,” Currie said.

“Over time we moved to the airport, expanded our base, and just kept growing.”

“Fast forward 40 years and we still provide those scenic flights, but we’re also the operator of the rescue helicopter service here in Canterbury, the West Coast and Nelson.”

“We also provide the New Zealand Flying Doctor Service, jet charters, and firefighting operations, so it’s grown into a pretty big operation.”

Currie said the company’s purpose built Christchurch facility reflected that growth and would likely surprise many visitors on the day.

“It’s a big step up from where we started, and it’s really exciting to be able to open the doors and show people where we’ve come from and where we are now,” he said.

The open day will also support key emergency services, with a gold coin donation going to the Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust and the New Zealand Flying Doctor Service Trust.

“Those organisations are incredibly important. They help us provide life saving services every day,” he said.

“They’re out there supporting the community and raising funds, and those funds are critical to keeping those services running.”

Currie said the day would offer more than just aircraft displays, with the public able to meet the people behind the operations.

“It’s a chance for people to meet the paramedics, the crew, the engineers, the fundraising teams, and all the staff who make it happen day to day,” he said.

“You get a real insight into what goes on behind the scenes to deliver those services.”

Visitors will also have the opportunity to take short helicopter flights over the city at a reduced rate.

“It’s a quick flight around Christchurch, just to give people a chance to experience flying,” Currie said.

“We try to keep it cost effective for families, around $85, and it’s always popular.”

“We usually see big demand for those flights, so if people are keen, it’s a good idea to get in early, grab a ticket, then have a look around before heading up.”

Currie said the event was about sharing the company’s journey while giving something back to the community that had supported it for decades.

“It’s a really good day. We get a lot of families through, a lot of kids, and it’s just a great chance for people to experience something pretty special,” he said.

“It’s about opening the doors, showing people what we do, and celebrating how far we’ve come.”