Government inaction holding back pilot training

Air New Zealand is seeking a long-term solution to a lack of pilot training in New Zealand. (Image: Getty)

Fri, 14 Jun 2024

A decision by Air New Zealand to train pilots overseas rather than on home soil is the result of successive governments’ failure to invest adequately in pilot training, say the heads of New Zealand’s largest flight training organisation.On Wednesday the national carrier launched Mangōpare, an all-inclusive cadet pilot training programme that would accelerate the journey to becoming a commercial pilot from the typical 24-36 months to about 14 months.Cadets would initially train overseas in the United States and Dubai, while...

Subscribe to BusinessDesk

Stay informed on business, government and financial developments across New Zealand.

Deeply researched, twice-edited and fact-checked news
Annual subscribers also receive a complimentary subscription to The Wall Street Journal
Personalised email news alerts, plus gift up to 5 stories a month to non-subscribers

You can cancel anytime with two clicks, an email or a phone call.
Find out more.

We are serious about journalism.

Already a Subscriber ? Sign in here.

Name {{ registerForm.errors.get('name') }}

Email address {{ registerForm.errors.get('email') }}

Phone Number {{ registerForm.errors.get('phone') }}

Job Title {{ registerForm.errors.get('title') }}

Password Minimum password length of 8 characters.
Require at least one upper and lowercase, numeric, and special character. {{ registerForm.errors.get('password') }}

Repeat password {{ registerForm.errors.get('password_confirmation') }}

We had trouble validating your card. It's possible your card provider is preventing us from charging the card. Please contact your card provider or customer support.

Credit Card

Cardholder's name

{{ __(plans[index].name) | capitalize }} {{ plans[index].attributes.old_price | currency }} {{ plans[index].price | currency }}

All subscriptions auto renew but are easy to cancel.

I Accept The Terms Of Service

{{ registerForm.errors.get('terms') }}

Tax: {{ taxAmount(selectedPlan) | currency }}

Total Price Including Tax: {{ priceWithTax(selectedPlan) | currency }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerSeat ? '/ '+ spark.seatName : '' }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerTeam ? '/ '+ __('teams.team') : '' }} / {{ __(selectedPlan.interval) | capitalize }}

Spark Accelerate Free Live Blog

AI lessons from Spark’s CTO - and the biggest challenge

All the action from the Spark Accelerate summit.

Staff reporters 4:25pm

Technology

Rocket Lab delays Neutron but shares jump

Rocket Lab’s Nasdaq-listed shares rose 0.5% in regular trading to US$51.90.

Staff reporters 4:20pm

Rocket Lab delays Neutron but shares jump

CEO Index Free Startup Finalist

Disrupt, rethink, repeat: James Whittaker's winning mantra

Resonate's hearing-aid subscription model challenges rivals to compete.

Gill South 12:00pm

Disrupt, rethink, repeat: James Whittaker's winning mantra

Sponsored

Cybersecurity skills gap leaving Kiwi businesses at risk - report

A cybersecurity skills shortage is creating additional cyber risks, according to a new global report.

Fortinet

Sponsored

Spark’s partner strategy sets the bar for innovation

Spark

More Transport

Infrastructure

Marsden Maritime Holdings CEO Rosie Mercer standing down

Marsden Maritime Holdings' chief executive, Rosie Mercer, is stepping down at the end of the year.After three years in the job, she said the decision was a natural transition point for her and the company, as Marsden Maritime Holdings (MMH) was in a strong position and well-p...

Ian Llewellyn 23 Oct 2025