Government Unveils 25-Point Aviation Action Plan to Future-Proof Sector

The Government has launched an ambitious new Aviation Action Plan, setting out 25 concrete actions designed to strengthen, modernise, and secure the future of New Zealand’s aviation sector. The plan was unveiled in Wellington by Associate Transport Minister James Meager at the Aviation Industry Association Conference, with strong backing from the Interim Aviation Council.

Aviation as an Economic Lifeline

Minister Meager emphasised the central role aviation plays in New Zealand’s economy and everyday life. Beyond simply connecting people and places, the aviation sector underpins trade, tourism, regional connectivity, and economic growth.

“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 said.

A First for New Zealand’s Aviation Industry

The Aviation Action Plan is the first comprehensive roadmap of its kind for New Zealand. It has been developed collaboratively, led by industry through the Interim Aviation Council in partnership with government. The plan responds directly to pressing challenges facing the sector: how to embrace innovation, build resilience, and secure a skilled workforce for the future.

“This action plan is a first for New Zealand and represents a major sector milestone,” Meager noted. “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.”

Key Measures in the Plan

The plan’s 25 actions span multiple areas of policy, infrastructure, and workforce development. Among the most significant are:

• Growth and Innovation: Reforming civil aviation rules to better accommodate emerging technologies such as drones and uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS), accelerating regulatory decision-making, cutting certification delays, and automating routine processes.

• Workforce Development: Addressing pilot and engineer shortages through updated training pipelines, promoting aviation careers to young people, and pursuing international recognition of licences to make qualifications more portable.

• Infrastructure Resilience: Establishing RNZAF Base Ohakea as a permanent alternative runway for wide-body aircraft, ensuring New Zealand’s international connections are not disrupted by emergencies or weather events.

• Passenger Rights: Strengthening consumer protections and improving accessibility for disabled travellers, recognising the need for more equitable air travel.

• Regional Connectivity: Supporting small regional airlines through concessionary loans and investment in interlining arrangements, securing routes vital to communities and businesses in remote areas.

Progress Already Underway

The Government has already advanced several of the plan’s initiatives. A notable achievement is the provision of $30 million in loans from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to support regional routes, a lifeline for smaller airlines struggling with rising costs and limited passenger volumes.

Additionally, work has begun on a system-wide funding review of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). This review aims to ensure the CAA is financially sustainable and better equipped to regulate a rapidly evolving industry.

Establishing a Permanent Aviation Council

Looking ahead, the Government has confirmed that the Interim Aviation Council will transition into a permanent Aviation Council, providing long-term industry leadership and policy advice. This permanent body will serve as a cornerstone for collaboration between government, airlines, airports, regulators, and technology providers.

“I’d like to thank the Interim Aviation Council for its leadership and expertise, and I look forward to working with the new permanent Council,” Meager said.

Building a Future-Ready Aviation Sector

The Aviation Action Plan represents a long-term commitment to ensuring New Zealand’s aviation sector remains globally competitive, resilient to shocks, and sustainable. By tackling issues such as skills shortages, innovation in air technology, passenger rights, and regional accessibility, the plan aims to future-proof the sector against both domestic and international challenges.

As aviation continues to play a crucial role in connecting New Zealand with the world, the Government sees this plan as a critical investment in the nation’s economic prosperity and social wellbeing.