New Zealand launches Aviation Action Plan with 25 actions

The New Zealand government, through Associate Transport Minister James Meager, has released an Aviation Action Plan led by industry via the Interim Aviation Council containing 25 actions to grow and future-proof the aviation sector.

• Main announcement: The plan lists 25 actions to support trade, tourism and regional connectivity, including making RNZAF Base Ohakea available permanently as an alternative runway for wide-body aircraft, establishing the Aviation Council as a permanent body, and a programme to update pilot and engineer training pipelines and progress international mutual recognition of licences.
• Background and concrete details: The government has already provided NZ$30 million in loans from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to support regional routes; it has commenced a system-wide first principles funding review of the Civil Aviation Authority; actions also target regulatory reform for drones/uncrewed aircraft, reduced certification wait times, strengthened passenger consumer rights, and concessionary loans for small airlines.