Quantcast

Air New Zealand launches inaugural pilot cadet program with first cohort departing

Airlines begin canceling flights, offering rebooking ahead of Hurricane Helene
Southwest Airlines to cut service and staffing in Atlanta to slash costs
New heights, new features: Discover Alaska’s enhanced Flight Pass subscription service
Alaska Airlines completes acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, expanding benefits and choice for travelers
Explore Japan for free? Japan Airlines offers free domestic flights to foreign travelers
Delta named Official Airline Partner of Birmingham City Football Club
American Airlines to Cut These Routes to Las Vegas, Orlando, and More — Here's Why
Alaska Airlines completes acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, expanding benefits and choice for travelers
Southwest wouldn't really start charging for bags — right?
JD Power ranked this Midwest airport as the best among largest airports in North America
Alaska Airlines Chief Plans More Routes After a Deal With Hawaiian
Air Canada could begin suspending flights soon as strike deadline nears
JetBlue's new ticket policy entitles every passenger to a carry-on bag
Why United Airlines’ CEO makes as few decisions as possible
American invests in the future of aviation maintenance with new jobs, additional work
DOT probe seeks to determine if frequent flyer programs are fair to travelers
American Airlines flight diverted after passenger starts vaping
Russian Airline Wants $100 Million From Canada for Seizing Its Giant Cargo Plane
Here's where American Airlines is adding flights to Europe in summer 2025
Major airline grounds Airbus A350 fleet, citing faulty engine component
Airline CEO wants airports to cap passengers at 2 alcoholic drinks to limit on-board disruptions
Regulator cuts Malaysia Airlines' air operator certificate duration after probe
United Airlines flight attendants are prepared to strike. Here's why it's still unlikely.
2 workers killed, 1 injured in tire explosion at a Delta Air Lines shop in Atlanta
Emirates Will Buy 5 Airbus A380s From Lessor For $200 Million
Delta Air Lines named official airline of the WNBA
Pair Of C-Suite Officials Depart Wheels Up
LAX Receives Final Cars for People Mover Train
Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines merger clears Justice Department hurdle, now faces DOT
Alaska Airlines flight attendants reject new contract, union says there's 'more work to do'
Air New Zealand launches inaugural pilot cadet program with first cohort departing
Policy
Webp 828jfksxhl3as3hguelzdqvt84tp
Mike Williams Chief Transformation and Alliances Officer | Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand has initiated its pilot training program, selecting 30 cadets from a pool of over 2,000 applicants. The first group of six trainees is set to begin their journey in the United States today. This marks the start of the Mangōpare Air New Zealand Pilot Cadetship, which was announced in June 2024 as an accelerated pathway for aspiring pilots.

The program aims to inspire and support Kiwis in pursuing careers as pilots by covering most training costs. It offers a 14-month fast-tracked route to becoming a pilot with Air New Zealand.

Among those beginning their training is Paige Ward, a former senior lab technician from Christchurch. She expressed her excitement about the opportunity: "I always had that pull to become a pilot – it's a dream job. But the financial barriers, like the high cost of training, led me to pursue a science degree instead."

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Dalton Coppins from Auckland also embarks on this journey after working as a flight attendant for Air New Zealand. He shared his enthusiasm: "Becoming a cabin crew member was a way to get into aviation... When the cadetship came up, applying was a no-brainer."

Caleb Thomas, another selected cadet and University of Waikato student, saw this as an opportunity he couldn't miss: "I decided to study business and science because I'm passionate about sustainability... I thought it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

Greg Foran, Chief Executive Officer of Air New Zealand, highlighted the importance of this initiative: "The cadetship opens the door for individuals from all walks of life by reducing barriers to becoming a pilot."

The first cohort will spend 12 months in Arizona for initial training before moving on to Dubai for specific aircraft training. Subsequent groups will follow at eight-week intervals. The airline plans to integrate these new pilots into its internal training by late 2025.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

London Heathrow, recognized as Europe's busiest airport, will soon experience an increase in its flight offerings by Oman Air.

Sep 2, 2025

Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport will commence safety and airfield improvement projects on Runway 12R-30L in two distinct phases throughout 2025.

Aug 22, 2025

Delta Air Lines is adjusting its service between Atlanta and Anchorage, extending flights beyond the summer travel season to a year-round offering.

May 15, 2025

In December 2022, Southwest Airlines faced a major crisis as operational challenges led to the cancellation of 16,900 flights, affecting nearly two million passengers during a peak travel period.

Apr 19, 2025

Harrison Ford, an acclaimed actor known for roles such as Han Solo in "Star Wars" and Indiana Jones, is also a noted aviation enthusiast.

Apr 19, 2025

Iberia Airlines has confirmed a notable shift in its flight schedule connecting Madrid and Dallas/Fort Worth, introducing its first overnight service from Europe to the US.

Apr 19, 2025