Aviators Recognised in King’s Birthday Honours
Two respected aviation industry figures have been recognised in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours for their outstanding service and leadership.
Congratulations to Captain David Morgan – ONZM – For services to aviation
Many congratulations to Captain David Morgan, a long-serving aviation leader and member of the AIANZ Executive Committee, who has been appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours.
David’s appointment recognises more than four decades of contribution to aviation both here in New Zealand and on the global stage. His work as Chief Pilot and later Executive member at Air New Zealand, and his leadership roles with IATA and ICAO have helped shape not just the airline, but the broader aviation industry.
As part of AIANZ’s Executive Committee, David continues to share his expertise and commitment to excellence in the aviation industry. David’s contribution to safety standards, culture, and leadership is felt across the entire sector.
On behalf of the Association and our members, we congratulate David on this well-deserved recognition.
For services to aviation engineering – Mr Allan Mincher has been appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for his lifetime contribution to aviation engineering.
Mr Mincher has contributed to the aviation industry from the early 1960s until winding down his business Airmec Aviation in 2024. Mr Mincher initially worked for Aerotech Ltd and then Helicopter New Zealand (HNZ) as the sole engineer maintaining machines flying in South Westland. He was then Chief Engineer of Mountain Helicopters Ltd in Greymouth from 1977 to 1978, before co-establishing Airmec Aviation at West Melton Airfield. He and his wife set up a new base for Airmec on the Old West Coast Road in 1985, to specialise in helicopter maintenance. At its peak, Airmec served around 40 clients from both the North and South Islands, across agricultural, tourist, wild animal control, flight training and private uses. He worked to improve systems for aircraft maintenance and safety and designed and manufactured several industry developments, including several systems for the RHC R22 such as a passenger safety harness, cargo hook kit and spray gear, and gear for other aircraft. Airmec received the National Agricultural Fieldays Prototype Award in 1995 for the Airmec Littlerox Applicator, for distributing animal supplements to stock in the high country. He also worked on early net gun development for Mountain Helicopters. Mr Mincher developed customised tools for various aspects of maintaining or assembling machines, contributing to engineering efficiencies and industry cost savings.
AIANZ congratulates both recipients on this well-deserved recognition. Their contributions reflect the depth of expertise and innovation within our industry.
See the full King’s Birthday Honours List here.