The RNZAF Skyhawk and Aermacchi fleets have been sold to a private American company, Tactical Air Services, Inc. for around $155 million (US$110 million) following the signing of a Heads of Agreement between the company and the Royal New Zealand Air Force. The recent successful introduction of giant European aerospace company Alenia Aeronautica, SpA, a Finmeccanica company, as the company’s "corner stone" shareholder has meant Tactical Air Services is now able to complete acquisition of the New Zealand air combat force aircraft. Finmeccanica is also the parent of Aermacchi SpA, the manufacturer of the RNZAF Aermacchi aircraft.
The sale is conditional upon the formal agreement of the US State Department permitting importation of the aircraft into the United States, as well as the required End User Certificates from New Zealand and Italy. These matters have already been extensively discussed with the respective foreign government departments and no problems were anticipated in finalising arrangements. Regeneration work on returning the Skyhawks to operational status will be undertaken by Safe Air Limited in Blenheim.
The Aermacchi fleet is already fully operational. Both fleets will be progressively shipped to the US over the next few months.