Airline Fully Funds 30 Pilots with New Program

Air New Zealand's has just launched its first pilot pathway: Mangōpare Pilot Cadetship. Designed to inspire more individuals to pursue a career as a pilot by reducing financial barriers, this cadetship complements existing pilot pathways, ensuring the airline can continue to meet future demand and avoid possible pilot shortages. Applications are open now until 8 July.

The Mangōpare Air New Zealand Pilot Cadetship is an all-inclusive training programme that accelerates the journey to becoming a commercial pilot from the typical 24-36 months to approximately 14 months.

With an initial commitment of 30 pilots, successfully selected cadets will commence training in small cohorts from September 2024, with the majority of costs, including training and living expenses, funded by Air New Zealand (subject to conditions).

To quickly establish the cadetship, cadets will initially train overseas using existing capacity while Air New Zealand conducts a procurement process to identify a long-term domestic training provider.

Cadets will be predominantly based in Arizona, where they will learn to fly single and multi-engine planes. They will then travel to Dubai to complete simulator sessions, becoming type-rated to fly ATR72-600 aircraft. Once qualified, successful cadets will have a pathway to employment as an Air New Zealand pilot.

Air New Zealand Chief Operational Integrity and Safety Officer Captain David Morgan says looking at both short and longer-term solutions to training pilots is crucial to ensure the airline can meet future travel demand.

"That's why Air New Zealand is taking this proactive step to fund the majority of the training costs for 30 cadets. The programme not only opens the door for individuals from all backgrounds to consider a career as a pilot but also provides an expedited training pathway.

"We also know airlines around the world are already having to ground aircraft and cancel flights due to a lack of pilots. While these shortages have yet to impact Air New Zealand, we could see this change quickly if we aren't proactive now".

Air New Zealand is also launching an Expression of Interest (EOI) to find a training organisation in New Zealand to deliver a fully integrated airline pilot training cadetship, fully aligned with Air New Zealand turboprop aircraft operations.

"We want to work with training organisations that can provide a programme that helps cadets develop the technical skills and knowledge they need to join the airline as future leaders, ready to fly our turboprop aircraft."

Through the EOI process, Air New Zealand aims to find a training provider that can deliver a fully immersive experience for cadets, fast-tracking their pilot training. This cadetship is designed to supplement the existing pilot recruitment programme and Air New Zealand will also continue to recruit pilots who come through traditional pathways.