The New Zealand government has launched a new Aviation Action Plan, a strategic framework of 25 actions designed to address current challenges and support the growth of the country's aviation sector. The industry-led Interim Aviation Council developed the plan in partnership with the government.

Associate transport minister James Meager announced the plan at the Aviation Industry Association Conference in Wellington. He outlined a roadmap focused on regulatory reform, workforce development, infrastructure improvements, and enhanced consumer protections.

The plan's key actions include a comprehensive rework of specific civil aviation rules to accommodate emerging technologies such as drones and other unmanned aircraft. The government aims to improve the pace of regulatory decision-making, reduce certification wait times, and automate routine tasks within New Zealand's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). According to the plan's timeline, a prioritised two-year rolling rule-making programme is to be developed by the end of 2025.

To address workforce shortages, the plan initiates a programme to update pilot and engineer training pipelines, promote aviation careers, and pursue mutual recognition agreements for international licences. Ringa Hora, the workforce development council for the services sector, is tasked with updating the pilot qualification by the end of 2025 to better align training with airline needs.

On the infrastructure front, the plan confirms that the Ohakea airbase of the Royal New Zealand Air Force, the nearest widebody-capable aerodrome from Auckland International, will be permanently available as an alternative runway for widebody aircraft by December 2026.

"Aviation is vital to New Zealand's economic prosperity and our way of life. The Aviation Action Plan outlines a strategic programme of work to ensure the sector continues to support trade, tourism, regional connectivity, and economic growth across the country," Meager stated.

"This action plan is a first for New Zealand and represents a major sector milestone. It's a practical roadmap that tackles challenges facing aviation, including the need to embrace growth and innovation, and build a skilled and sustainable workforce," he added.

Meager also confirmed that progress has already been made on several initiatives, including the allocation of NZD30 million New Zealand dollars (USD17.7 million) in loans from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to support regional carriers.

"We've already made progress on several actions, including targeted investment in regional routes through NZD30 million in loans from the Regional Infrastructure Fund. We have also commenced the system-wide first principles funding review of the Civil Aviation Authority, which is another recommendation," he said.

Following the plan's launch, the government will establish the Aviation Council as a permanent body to oversee its implementation and provide ongoing leadership. The Interim Aviation Council included representatives from the Ministry of Transport, Air New Zealand (NZ, Auckland International), Airways Corporation of New Zealand, Auckland International Airport, the CAA, and other key industry associations.