What you need to know
The interim Aviation Council supports system leadership on the current and future direction of aviation in New Zealand, in recognition of the key role that a strong and successful aviation sector plays in our economy.
The Council was established following the Air Navigation System Review which called for a more formal approach to system leadership and direction. It first met in March 2024 and meets bi-monthly.
The Council will be working on matters of national significance to the aviation sector including future workforce, infrastructure, regulation, innovation and emerging technology, safety and security and international engagement.
One of its first priorities is to develop a National Aviation Policy Statement setting out the long-term principles, objectives and outcomes and act as an enduring direction for the system.
Find out about the Air Navigation System Review which was carried out by a panel of independent experts between 2021 and 2023.
The work to date
Interim Aviation Council – 26 September 2024 meeting
At its September meeting, the Council discussed the progress being made through the working papers to the develop the National Aviation Policy Statement (NAPS).
The Council noted that the NAPS should have actionable outcomes but should avoid overly complex approaches.
The Ministry of Transport provided updates on advanced aviation, highlighting the Government’s commitment to a world-class regulatory environment by 2025 with a light-touch approach.
Other significant topics included a presentation by Airways on uncrewed aircraft management, addressing workforce shortages in the aviation sector, and incorporating a Te Ao Māori perspective into the Council’s work.
The next meeting will be on 27 November 2024.
Interim Aviation Council – 25 July 2024 meeting
At its July meeting, the Council discussed a communications paper, articulating the need for transparency and agreed to publish key messages from each meeting on the Ministry’s website.
The Council discussed the updated ambition paper and requested that it be shortened.
The Council also reviewed and provided feedback on the following working papers:
· innovation and emerging technology.
· infrastructure
· workforce
The Council approved a draft template for working papers going forward.
Interim Aviation Council – 24 May 2024 meeting
At its May meeting, the Council approved the updated terms of reference and the proposed work schedule.
Noting the amount of work required to complete the National Aviation Policy Statement, the Council agreed to extend the timeframe to mid 2025, to complete the work.
The Council reviewed and provided feedback on:
· a draft ambition statement
· a draft workforce working paper
The Council requested that working papers should be presented to Council in a consistent format and requested that a template be developed to enable this.
Interim Aviation Council is established
The interim Aviation Council met for the first time in March 2024. It discussed and provided feedback on the draft terms of reference. The Council also discussed the National Aviation Policy Statement (NAPS), and the need to prioritise NAPS topics.
The Council agreed that work on an ambition statement should be given priority and it would set up a working group to work on the various topics that would form part of the NAPS.
The final terms of reference, including members of the Council is below: