New Zealand releases new aviation plan

A new ‘Aviation Action Plan’ has been released by the government of New Zealand, containing 25 actions to grow and future-proof the aviation sector, ensuring it continues to deliver for all New Zealanders. Associate Transport Minister James Meager launched the plan, led by industry through the Interim Aviation Council in partnership with government, while speaking at the Aviation Industry Association Conference in Wellington.

“Aviation is vital to New Zealand’s economic prosperity and our way of life. The Aviation Action Plan outlines a strategic programme of work to ensure the sector continues to support trade, tourism, regional connectivity and economic growth across the country”, Meager says. “This action plan is a first for New Zealand and represents a major sector milestone. It’s a practical roadmap that tackles challenges facing aviation, including the need to embrace growth and innovation, and build a skilled and sustainable workforce.”

Key actions from the Aviation Action Plan include:

• Promote growth and innovation by reworking specific civil aviation rules, including in emerging technologies like drones and uncrewed aircraft, improving the pace of regulatory decision-making, reducing certification wait times, and automating routine tasks.
• Developing a programme of work to tackle workforce issues, including by updating the pilot and engineer training pipelines, promoting aviation careers, and progressing international mutual recognition of licences where appropriate.
• Making RNZAF Base Ohakea available as an alternative runway for wide body aircraft on a permanent basis.
• Strengthening passengers’ consumer rights and improving accessibility for disabled travellers.
• Securing vulnerable regional routes by supporting small airlines through concessionary loans and providing investment for interlining arrangements.

“We’ve already made progress on several actions, including targeted investment in regional routes through $30 million in loans from the Regional Infrastructure Fund. We have also commenced the system-wide first principles funding review of the Civil Aviation Authority, which is another recommendation,” Meager says. “This plan includes long-term steps to continue building momentum, including confirmation we will establish the Aviation Council as a permanent body. I’d like to thank the Interim Aviation Council for its leadership and expertise, and I look forward to working with the new permanent Council.

NZ Airports today welcomed the release of the Government’s Aviation Action Plan – the first coordinated national strategy for aviation. The plan was developed by the Interim Aviation Council, which included NZ Airports and Auckland International Airport among its members. It sets a shared direction for a safe, sustainable and innovative aviation system that enables growth and strengthens New Zealand as an aviation nation.

Billie Moore, Chief Executive of NZ Airports, said the plan is an important opportunity to align industry and government efforts. “This is the first time that government and industry have come together to set out a long-term strategy for aviation. New Zealand relies on aviation to connect our people and businesses, to support tourism and trade, and to deliver essential regional services. Despite this, the sector has often been a footnote in transport policy due to the heavy focus on land transport in the Crown budget. The Government deserves huge credit for elevating the role of aviation in its economic growth strategy.”