- Hon James Meager
Strong progress has been made on the ambitious Aviation Action Plan, with more than half of its 25 priorities achieved in just one year of implementation, Associate Transport Minister James Meager says.
Mr Meager says it is a real success story for New Zealand aviation, reflecting the commitment of both Government and industry to work together on a clear roadmap to fix the basics and build the sector's future.
The 15 completed actions include:
- Funding to make RNZAF Base Ohakea available as a 24/7 alternative airport for wide body aircraft from mid-2027. Implementation is now underway, including the recruitment and training of additional staff.
- Securing vulnerable regional routes by supporting small airlines with concessionary loans and providing investment for interlining arrangements.
- Outlining a set of coordinated industry-led recommendations to address long-standing workforce challenges, taken forward by the Aviation Council.
- Assisting flight schools to update pilot training programmes to better align with the needs of airlines.
- Assessing future infrastructure requirements including support for fleet expansion, jet fuel demand and electricity needs for next generation aircraft.
- Commencing an accelerated programme to modernise New Zealand's civil aviation rules, enabling 20 years of changes to be made over a two-years.
"The 24-project civil aviation rule update programme delivers one of the Action Plan's largest items. Four projects, including reforms to slash red tape for regional airports, are now in place, with seven more well advanced," Mr Meager says.
"There is more to do, and the Action Plan's momentum is not slowing. Substantial progress has been made on the 10 remaining actions.
"This includes work to improve aviation passenger rights. I have considered advice and directed officials to develop a voluntary charter in consultation with airlines, to provide greater clarity and consistency for travellers.
"I believe a voluntary approach is preferable to regulation at this stage. lt provides the aviation sector with an opportunity to respond to issues in a timely manner, without saddling them with potentially costly regulation.
"A charter also allows improvements to be made in a quicker and more flexible fashion, while preserving the option for outright regulation if necessary.
"I thank the Aviation Council for its leadership of these initiatives. This progress has only been possible because of the shared commitment to work together to grow and future-proof our aviation sector."
