Aviation Industry Association Chief Executive Simon Wallace is calling for urgent action to support domestic pilot training, warning that rising fuel costs and outdated student loan settings are making it increasingly difficult for New Zealanders to pursue aviation careers.
In an opinion piece published in The Post, Simon highlights growing concerns that the current training system is not producing enough pilots to meet future demand. While flight training providers continue to absorb significant cost increases, aspiring pilots face funding gaps that can exceed $50,000 due to student loan caps that have remained unchanged since 2013.
With pilot shortages already emerging across the industry, AIA is urging the Government to align its workforce ambitions with practical investment and ensure pilot training remains accessible to New Zealanders.