Media release
7 September 2026
Aviation Action Plan progress welcomed but workforce barriers must be prioritised urgently
The Aviation Industry Association of New Zealand is welcoming strong progress on the Government’s Aviation Action Plan but says critical workforce barriers must now be urgently addressed.
Simon Wallace, Chief Executive of AIANZ says Associate Transport Minister James Meager’s progress report at the industry’s conference this week, reflects genuine commitment from Government, officials and industry to work together on issues holding aviation back.
“At last year’s conference, we celebrated the launch of this long-awaited framework for action,” says Mr. Wallace.
“Real progress is being made, particularly on regional connectivity, regional airport rules, the wider Civil Aviation Rules Update Programme, infrastructure planning and lifting awareness of aviation engineering careers.
“We appreciate the Minister’s commitment to maintaining momentum and the Aviation Council’s role in helping keep industry and government focused on practical outcomes.”
Mr Wallace says progress stands against a challenging backdrop, with significant increases in fuel costs, levies and other charges placing pressure on operators, training organisations and regional services. System costs keep rising.
“There is much to celebrate, but the next phase of the Action Plan must now tackle the critical areas that will determine whether New Zealand has the aviation capability it needs for the future,” he says.
“Workforce remains one of the industry’s biggest challenges and looming pilot and engineer shortages are a key focus for the Plan.
Mr Wallace says aligning training needs with airline needs is a positive move, but outdated student loan cap settings for domestic students must be addressed along with greater flexibility for training organisations to respond to unavoidable cost increases.
“If young New Zealanders cannot borrow enough to meet the real cost of training, aviation will lose talented people before they even get to the runway. That is not sustainable for a country that relies on aviation for regional connectivity, tourism, trade, agriculture, emergency response
and access to the world.”
The Association also wants to see stronger practical pathways for aviation engineers, including training capacity and support that will bring more people into the profession and help retain them.
Mr Wallace says AIANZ continues to strongly support modernising civil
aviation rules, including reforms that reduce unnecessary red tape, but
says changes must be well consulted and carefully implemented.
“Our current system has been outdated for too long, and we welcome the clear focus on updating rules and improving the pace of decision-making.
“But the detail matters. Changes need to be developed with the people who understand the operational realities, maintain safety, and avoid unintended consequences.”
He says recent proposed changes affecting agricultural drone operations show why meaningful industry consultation is essential.
“Agricultural drone operations are growing quickly and have real productivity potential for farmers and growers, but they are not low-risk activities. Industry needs to be properly engaged so changes support innovation while maintaining appropriate safeguards.”
Mr Wallace says AIANZ will continue to work constructively with the Minister, officials and the Aviation Council to advance the remaining actions.
“After a year of action, the industry is pleased to see the Government’s ambition being backed by progress. We now need to keep going and ensure the next stage delivers the practical changes needed to build the workforce, skills, infrastructure and regulatory system New Zealand aviation depends on.”
ENDS
For more information contact
Alice Taylor 021 02785648