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...

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