A group of passionate individuals got together to achieve this dream of creating Classic Flyers to protect the rich and precious history of New Zealand aviation.

The creation of Classic Flyers was funded entirely by these individuals who shared a dream. A venture created by New Zealanders for New Zealanders. As a non-commercial Trust, whatever we make from the museum and our events goes back into preserving our aviation heritage.

In 2000, several local businessmen (and aviation enthusiasts) initiated a project to explore the preservation of the large 1940’s hangar on the Tauranga Airfield.

While the hangar proved to be beyond repair, the project evolved and the subsequently formed Bay of Plenty Classic Aircraft Trust decided to create a purpose-built facility on a prime site at the entrance of the Tauranga Airport, on Jean Batten Drive, Mount Maunganui.

The emphasis was on creating a living, dynamic Museum with a high degree of operational activity - with many aircraft movements to and from the facility.

After months upon months of fundraising efforts and obtaining exhibits, Classic Flyers celebrated its grand opening on Saturday 28th May 2005 with an awe-inspiring classic flyers air display.

Classic Flyers NZ is owned by the Bay of Plenty Classic Aircraft Trust, a registered Charitable Trust.

Our Aims are:

- To Preserve Classic and Historic Aircraft and
- To Support the retention of New Zealand’s aviation History.

The Trust strives to gather, protect and preserve aircraft and aviation memorabilia from bygone times – especially material with a Bay of Plenty or New Zealand connection.

Our Trustees and Executive Officers

Andrew Gormlie – Trustee and CEO

Andrew is a company director and a successful businessman. He is also a commercial pilot with rating on a large number of aircraft. He is a member of the Warbirds Association and part owner of several aircraft including a Harvard, CT4B Airtrainer, Boeing Stearman, Piper Cub, and a T28 Trojan. Andrew has lived in Mount Maunganui for the past 18 years.

David Eagles - Patron

David is also originally from England. His career started as a Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm pilot, mainly flying the MD F4 Phantom. David then became a test pilot, and participated in the test programme for the Tornado and the Eurofighter.  Until recently, David was  CEO of Pacific Aerospace Corporation in Hamilton, and is now an Aviation Consultant for McGregor and Co.

David Love - Chairman of the Board of Management

David is a recently retired Group Captain RAF, and has had a wide variety of appointments at senior level both in Service and civilian life, such as Chief of Security for Allied Command Europe in Belgium. David’s home is in Tauranga.

Jerry Cowper - Finance

Jerry took early retirement from a highly successful career in banking to run a business consultancy advising small to medium scale businesses on best business practice. Jerry has joined the board of Classic Flyers to offer his expertise to our charitable endeavours.

Bruce Chapman - Trustee

Bruce is a retired Air NZ 747 Captain, former NZ Warbirds Chief Pilot and currently also a trustee of the NZ Historic Aircraft Trust, which is located next to classic flyers.

Stewart Boys

Air Commodore Stewart Boys retired from the Royal New Zealand Air Force as one of the best aviators of modern times. Not only a skilled military pilot, he also has high level aviation knowledge that is invaluable to Classic Flyers in offering safe flying facilities to the public. With his knowledge of the Civil Aviation Authority he is an invaluable interface between Classic Flyers and the government authorities.

Norman Empson

Norman enjoyed a full career in communications in the RNZAF before moving to the police communications division and then on to a further career providing technical support to broadcasting.

Gary Benner

Gary is a local Software Engineer and Internet consultant. He manages our website presence, and advises on our e-Commerce ventures..