If you’ve dreamed of working as a pilot — and many Kiwis do — you’re in luck because a career change will take you only 14 months with Air New Zealand . The road to becoming a pilot typically takes 24 to 36 months, however, Air New Zealand has launched a programme that cuts this path down to a little over a year. Even better, the airline will cover most training and living expenses.
Mangōpare Air New Zealand Pilot Cadetship will accept only 30 Kiwis and training will commence from September, largely in Arizona, the United States, while Air New Zealand looks for a domestic training provider. The cadetship has been designed to generate more pilots, and is essential to meet future travel demand, says Air New Zealand chief operational integrity and safety officer Captain David Morgan, “We also know airlines around the world are already having to ground aircraft and cancel flights due to a lack of pilots. While these shortages have yet to impact Air New Zealand, we could see this change quickly if we aren’t proactive now,” Morgan said.
Covering costs and making the programme shorter meant the airline could open up the career pathway to more people, he said. “The programme not only opens the door for individuals from all backgrounds to consider a career as a pilot, but also provides an expedited training pathway.” During training, cadets will learn to fly single and multi-engine planes before heading to Dubai to do simulator sessions.
This will qualify them to f.
