Aviation

The government has added two new aviation-based roles to the Green List, including aircraft maintenance engineer and aviation engineer specialising in avionics, aeronautical and aerospace engineering.

Greater connectivity, a path for low and zero-carbon aviation, and future-proofing infrastructure are among the key recommendations in the New Zealand Airports Association’s election policy manifesto for the future government.

New legislation to ensure the resilience and security of New Zealand’s fuel supply – including jet fuel – has passed its third reading in parliament.

Malaysia-based airline Batik Air is commencing flights between Kuala Lumpur and Auckland via Perth this week.

Queenstown Lakes District Council is seeking feedback on the management of the Glenorchy Airstrip on the banks of Lake Whakatipu.

Asia Pacific airlines saw a 128.1% increase in traffic in June 2023 compared with the same month last year, according to the International Air Transport Association.

Sustainable air passenger journeys and autonomous aerial vehicle integration are two of the key goals in New Zealand’s first Aerospace Strategy.

Air traffic across Asia Pacific saw strong year-on-year growth in May 2023, says the International Air Transport Association.

New Zealand’s air navigation system is reliable and safe, but needs to better respond to changing needs in the aviation industry, according to a new report.

The World Travel & Tourism Council has called on governments around the world to “get serious” about incentivising sustainable aviation fuel production and set ambitious targets to produce adequate supply. 

How will aviation continue to grow while doing its fair share on climate change?

The Sustainable Business Council and Climate Leaders Coalition want to see New Zealand’s political parties commit to decarbonising aviation for the benefit of New Zealand, its economy and exports.

The government has passed the new Civil Aviation Bill that modernises and strengthens aviation security rules.

Biosecurity New Zealand is ramping up border security measures for passengers arriving on direct flights from Bali due to the threat of foot-and-mouth disease.

Full flights are causing wait times of up to 20 days for rebookings, but the airline says it is working to speed up the process.

A new way to apportion carbon emissions taxes on airline passengers could be the answer to creating a fairer system that does not discriminate based on travel class.

A 1962 tourist flight that disappeared without a trace will be remembered at an event in Christchurch.

Kiwi company Ocean Flyer has hailed the success of the first electric seaglider test flight by US manufacturer REGENT.

Air New Zealand, Christchurch Airport, Sounds Air and Wellington Airport have been appointed to a 21-member Industry Advisory Board that will oversee the development of a new electric airplane.

Air New Zealand’s first shipment of sustainable aviation fuel will arrive next week with more than 1.2 million litres on board.

Wings over Wairarapa is returning to Masterton in 2023 – and it will include an expanded education programme to tempt people into a career in science, technology, engineering, arts, or mathematics (STEAM).

Limited air capacity is leading to fewer flight options and more expensive airfares for travellers, according to Corporate Traveller.

Cancelled flights, disrupted vacations, and frayed tempers are rife as people take to the skies and the airline industry comes under pressure.

New Zealand Aviation Museum Trust has raised $35,000 towards the upkeep of the John Smith Mosquito, a De Havilland aircraft from WW2.

Carriers in Asia Pacific experienced an almost twofold increase in traffic in March 2022, compared to the same month last year, up 197%, according to the International Air Transport Association.

The deal could advance New Zealand towards a zero-carbon future and make use of the country’s ‘blue highway’.

More than a third of 5,500 air passengers surveyed said they planned to fly less to reduce their climate impact.

The Board of Airline Representatives of New Zealand (BARNZ), airlines and travel agencies have lauded the government’s decision to fast-track border reopenings.

The funding brings government support close to $1bn for its Maintaining International Air Connectivity scheme.

Police and the Civil Aviation Authority are concerned about a growing number of laser strikes on helicopters and passenger planes.

Any government move to reduce international visitor numbers post-Covid to concentrate on higher spending arrivals could impact the cost of Kiwi food exports, according to a new study.

The government has extended its support for the international aviation sector to help maintain international passenger services and trade connections.

Emergency Management Otago and Fire and Emergency New Zealand have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to partner on a new Aviation Emergency Support Plan.

Includes first Saudi women to train as air traffic controllers abroad.

The Government will inject another $170m into the aviation sector through to the end of October 2021.

New Zealand pilots waiting for international aviation to restart will be able to use their skills to meet an urgent need for heavy agriculture machinery operators.

The Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre will host a once-only display compilation of the John Smith Collection at the 2021 Dangerous Skies WW2 Exhibition next Easter.

Flights would run daily with 12 return services a week, using Sounds Air’s turbo-prop Pilatus PC12 aircraft.

The New Zealand Air Line Pilots’ Association says it is frustrated at “misinformation” on international Covid-19 restrictions regarding international flight crew protocols.

The CAA has advised operators of the potential hazards of returning parked aircraft to service after extended downtime due to the Covid-19 crisis.

The company’s turbine workshop had been operating under temporary workflow restrictions following a March CAA audit but had now resumed normal operations.

The Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre has been appointed guardian of the John Smith collection of warbirds.

Dates for the next Wings Over Wairarapa event have been locked in, scheduled for 26-28 February 2021.

The Government is continuing to repatriate New Zealanders stranded overseas due to the Covid-19 outbreak, with 39 people from Vanuatu brought home via a New Zealand Defence Force C-130 Hercules.

The New Zealand Air Line Pilots’ Association is urging the aviation sector to work together to keep jobs in New Zealand, rather than lose highly skilled Kiwis to international markets in the recovery from Covid-19.

Airways New Zealand’s air traffic controllers will defer a planned pay increase in response to the Covid-19 outbreak and its impact on the aviation sector.

Glacier Country Heliport at Franz Josef on the South Island’s West Coast has become the first heliport in New Zealand to achieve Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ‘Part 139’ qualifying aerodrome certification.

Rising prices for both international and domestic airfares were one of the main drivers behind a 0.5% increase to the consumer price index (CPI) in the December quarter, according to Stats NZ.

The regulator says it has taken steps to improve performance in the wake of the 2015 Fox Glacier crash.

The Civil Aviation has lifted the temporary suspension of all 21 Gippsland GA8 aircraft operating in New Zealand.