Quantcast

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

American Halts CRJ-200 Operations
Shanghai Airlines to Launch Casablanca Route
Engine maker agrees to compensate WizzAir for grounded planes
Turkish Airlines’ flights are riddled with bedbugs, passengers say
British Airways frequent flyers react to Executive Club changes
Inside the short-lived, men-only flights where kids and women were banned but cigar and pipe smoking were rife
China steps up drive to break Boeing, Airbus grip on plane market
Heathrow’s New York service clings to spot in top aviation routes
Airline praises pilots in crash-landing where both died but nearly half the passengers survived
Mexico state airline to buy five Embraer planes next year
A record number of people are expected to fly over the holidays. That's good for travel stocks, but not for passengers.
American Airlines technical issue sparks travel chaos on Christmas Eve as flights heavily delayed after being grounded
Why United Airlines has had such a stellar year despite being Boeing's biggest customer
JetBlue nixing routes between multiple major cities, reducing several others
Airline Stocks Led The Travel Industry's Record 2024 Rally. Here's What's Next.
It’s beginning to look like another record for holiday travel
Qatar Airways cleans up at the World Travel Awards
All of the strikes at European airports this winter – find out if you are affected
Meet the CEO trying to turn around Air India, the 92-year-old airline with a pile of problems
Skiplagging: Unpacking the Risky Travel Trend That Involves Tricking Airlines
Qantas engineers walk off job on one of the busiest travel days of the year
South Korea to safeguard competition after Korean Air, Asiana merger
China Southern returns to Adelaide
Global Airline Industry Revenues Forecast To Top $1 Trillion For First Time In 2025
EasyJet to launch six new routes from the UK next year with £24 flights
Here's Why Analysts Say It's a Good Time to Buy Airline Stocks
A No-Frills Airline Is Getting Into the Premium Game
TAKING OFF: Major airline introduces new inflight service rules with less time to order your drinks
2 Delta flight attendants fail breathalyzer test before flight to JFK
EasyJet reveals plans for new flights from regional UK airport next summer
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

United Airlines has announced the issuance of travel waivers for passengers whose flights were affected by closures at London Heathrow Airport.

Apr 2, 2025

ITA Airways announced that flight AZ806 managed to land safely after a brief hold due to nearby missile activity.

Apr 2, 2025

EVA Air has announced the reinstatement of its Premium Economy Class on the Seattle route, with three weekly flights scheduled from March 8 through July 27.

Apr 2, 2025

Emirates Airlines has announced the launch of a new door-to-door delivery service called 'Very Important Parcels' (VIPs), promising the same level of care as provided to its passengers.

Apr 2, 2025

Cargolux has announced the transportation of two lions, Tsar and Jamil, from captivity in Ukraine to a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa.

Apr 2, 2025

Hainan Airlines announced that its Beijing–Oslo flight HU769 landed successfully in Norway.

Apr 2, 2025