New Zealand – The New Zealand Airline Academy Ltd (NZAAL), one of New Zealand’s largest pilot training organisations, has announced plans to establish a second flight training school in Whanganui, following ongoing frustration with the Waitaki District Council over airport infrastructure constraints and rising operational costs at its Oamaru base.
- NZAAL, which has operated from Oamaru Airport for seven years, employs over 50 staff and has nearly doubled its international student numbers from 92 to 185 within the past year, driven primarily by growing overseas demand.
- After exploring expansion options with local councils, NZAAL secured an agreement with the Whanganui District Council to lease facilities currently used by the New Zealand International Commercial Pilot Academy (NZICPA). The new leases commence January 15, 2026, alongside the acquisition of NZICPA’s accommodation facilities.
- The move comes as NZICPA was previously grounded by the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (CAA) for safety and training quality issues, creating available infrastructure suitable for immediate use.
- NZAAL CEO Jonathan Manuel confirmed that the Whanganui base will initially train 40 Indi Go cadets from India, with plans to expand to match the scale of operations in Oamaru.
- Manuel noted that the Whanganui District Council had been “exceptionally supportive,” highlighting the economic benefits for both Oamaru and Whanganui communities through housing, catering, and local supply chain activity.
- NZAAL’s decision to expand was also influenced by operational challenges in Oamaru, including limited land for hangar development, aircraft damage caused by weather exposure, and increased rents and landing fees
Source: NZAAL & Local Media Reporting
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