Permanent Aviation Council members announced: High tech and regional airlines get represented

The new, permanent aviation council has been announced.

It has a mix of public and private sector leaders, including members from a solar-electric aircraft company, the new Civil Aviation Authority chief and a regional airline boss.

The 14-member council is succeeding the bipartisan Interim Aviation Council.

Associate Minister of Transport James Meager confirmed the forum membership at the NZ Airports Hui in Blenheim this morning.

“The permanent council will help us seize future opportunities to support economic growth and enhance aviation safety and efficiency,” Meager said.

The permanent council was previously outlined at Tākina, Wellington, during the Aviation Industry Association (AIANZ) annual conference three weeks ago.

“The council’s work will be instrumental in delivering the actions outlined in the Action Plan, such as workforce pipeline issues, regulatory bottlenecks and infrastructure needs,” Meager said.

The industry faces a shortage of some professionals, including aviation engineers.

Some regional airlines have also been under pressure in recent months.

Meager said the permanent council would include representatives from smaller airlines to ensure regional connectivity was not forgotten.

Meager made a special mention of Air Ruatoria pilot and founder Māhanga Maru.

“I thank the Interim Aviation Council for their contribution over the past two years, particularly Air Ruatoria’s Māhanga Maru, who advocated for regional airlines while long-term representation was formalised.”

The council was mentioned when Meager released the Aviation Action Plan at the conference in Tākina.

The permanent council will work on updating the action plan at least every three years.

The high-tech or advanced aviation sector would be represented through Kea Aerospace, which Mark Rocket founded.

Kea in February completed its first flight to the stratosphere by a solar-powered UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle).

Meager said Kea would provide the insight needed to grow the country’s $2.5 billion advanced aviation and space industry.

The permanent council will report to Meager annually on progress.

The Aviation Council members are:

John Weekes is a business journalist covering aviation and courts. He has previously covered consumer affairs, crime, politics and courts.