Responding to customer needs is a Flight company tradition. Established in 1907 to manufacture quality leather luggage, Flight went on to meet customer demand for mass-produced, fibreboard and soft luggage and, later plastic luggage and cases. During the 1970's the Flight Group began investing in plastics manufacturing and in 1986, in response to the demand for non-luggage plastic products, ceased manufacturing luggage to concentrate on plastic sheet extrusion and thermoforming.

By reinvesting profits, Flight kept its equipment at the forefront of technological advancement to meet growing markets for plastic sheet, including packaging, display-advertising, automotive and industrial products. In 1983, a marketing representative was established in Australia, in 1989 a joint manufacturing venture established a plant in the United Kingdom to service UK and European markets and in 2005 an Adelaide extrusion business was purchased establishing a manufacturing presence in Australia. The highly customised service continues to expand in both New Zealand and overseas.

Flight Plastics Packaging Division's moulding operations specialise in rigid packaging and customised packaging solutions are produced for food, medical, horticultural and industrial applications.

In the early 1970's, Flight's forestry and timber division was founded with the first plantings of radiata pine in Marlborough. Substantial investment in additional planting and extensive silviculture has been undertaken. Flight now has a significant high quality forest resource with a well spread age profile that will continue to be enhanced. In 1988, Flight purchased a Marlborough-based timber milling and processing company in Blenheim, New Zealand. A ten-fold increase in production has since been achieved, with all original equipment either upgraded or replaced. Computer-assisted sawmilling and a kiln-drying operation with various treatment and finishing options make Flight an industry leader for quality and consistency in the New Zealand, Australian, European, Asian and USA markets it serves.

The future is a challenging, exciting one for Flight. In 1907, its emphasis on quality, understanding market needs and reinvesting profits ensured the success of its luggage manufacturing. In the 21st century, Flight will continue to provide premium grade products, solutions and service to its individual markets.