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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."
