GCH Aviation has been accepted into Virtuoso®’s selective portfolio of luxury travel partners, comprised of more than 1,800 preferred suppliers in 100 countries. Andrew Currie, Chief Executive of GCH Aviation Group says inclusion in Virtuoso will open up new sales and marketing opportunities to the network’s 20,000 luxury travel advisors around the world and their highly desirable clientele. Virtuoso agencies sell more than US $26.4 billion (NZ $39.8 billion) annually, making the network the most significant player in luxury travel.

“Virtuoso’s acceptance process is incredibly discerning, so becoming a preferred partner is a true honour,” he says. “The reputation Virtuoso member advisors have for outstanding dedication to their clients is a perfect fit with our own bespoke approach to service. Now that we’re part of this renowned network, we look forward to offering Virtuoso advisors and their clients special amenities, values and experiences that surpass their expectations.”

GCH Aviation is the only privately-owned New Zealand aviation company to be accepted as a Virtuoso supplier. We join Virtuoso’s collection of the finest luxury hotels, resorts, cruise lines, airlines, tour operators and other suppliers worldwide. These partners, which specialize in world-class client service and experiences, secure Virtuoso clients’ superior offerings, rare opportunities, and exceptional value. These prestigious providers are able to market to Virtuoso clients via network vehicles and to Virtuoso agencies through multiple communications channels and events, including Virtuoso Travel Week, luxury travel’s largest worldwide gathering. GCH Aviation’s acceptance into Virtuoso gives us direct relationships with the world’s leading leisure travel agencies in North and Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East.

GCH Aviation is headquartered in Christchurch, New Zealand at a new (NZ) $23 million base opened last year. With other bases in Nelson, Greymouth, Kaikoura, Wellington, plus Vanuatu and Fiji in the South Pacific, we own more than 30 aircraft and employ over 120 staff across our helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft services.

The group’s 9,000 sqm Christchurch facility has direct access to the Christchurch Airport runway, and dedicated helipads. It includes Christchurch’s first full-service Jet Centre for the South Island’s rapidly growing corporate aviation market, with hangar parking and overnight facilities for jets, a private terminal, ground handling, catering, plus Ministry of Primary Industry and Customs services.

Established in 1983, GCH Aviation is the only company to hold the prestigious Helicopter Association of New Zealand Diamond Safety Award for 30+ years continuous service without injury accident to self, passengers or crew. We also hold a 100% Pure New Zealand Qualmark Gold endorsement.