Air New Zealand Cargo plays an essential role in New Zealand’s import and export business, helping to supercharge the success of the New Zealand economy.

We have three divisions that make up our Cargo team. National Cargo handles cargo domestically around New Zealand, International Cargo deals with cargo moving in and out of New Zealand and our Ground Handling Operation provides handling services to our customer airlines. 

There are a wide range of opportunities available within these divisions, from Customer Service, Sales, Commercial, through to Standards & Safety and our operational teams. Our 300 strong team is hard-working, friendly and love what they do – some of them have been with us for over 40 years.

Cargo Operations works closely with the wider Cargo team as well as other Air New Zealand departments to coordinate the safe and ‘on time’ movement of our customers' precious cargo. Cargo Operations is a 24/7 business that runs 365 days a year. We handle the majority of New Zealand's air freighted imports and exports on behalf on Air New Zealand and several customer airlines. Considered the backbone of the Cargo business, our team operates with military precision – managing and co-ordinating flight schedules, making adjustments for the unplanned, while ensuring cargo is correctly presented and safely loaded so that it reaches its destination on time.

Qualifications and experience

• University qualification in a business/logistics discipline or equivalent relevant experience
• Qualifications in specialist areas of cargo handling
• Cargo Operations – Warehouse Agent / Airline Clerk
• Qualifications or experience in operations, logistics, aviation or cargo

The Cargo Standards and Safety team develop and implement world-class standards and safety systems and provide specialist advice and services for our Sales and Operations teams globally. Team members develop a variety of skills including reviewing and developing procedures, auditing, investigations, regulatory and standard operating procedure training. Because this is an ever-evolving area with constant changes in business and regulatory requirements, there are plenty of opportunities to learn new skills and progress your career.

Qualifications and experience

• Qualifications in specialist areas of cargo handling
• Extensive cargo operations experience and knowledge of the various regulatory frameworks
• Auditing, investigation and continuous improvement experience
• Strong communication and change management experience

The Cargo Sales team’s role is to generate income and profit from the “bellies” of Air New Zealand aircraft, where we carry our imported and exported goods. A highly professional team, we work closely with our customers to understand their needs and create tailored strategies to help them grow. We also help to import goods such as online shopping. Once the goods arrive in New Zealand we distribute them through our 21 domestic airports.

Qualifications and experience

• University graduate in a business, finance or commerce discipline or on the job experience
• Extensive Sales experience

The Cargo Commercial Team supports our Sales and Operations business. By building relationships with partner airlines and 15 land-based operators, we have opened up 120 new destinations to our Kiwi exporters and importers so that New Zealand can now sell to and import product from almost any point of the globe. The Commercial team covers a broad range of expertise from Revenue Management, Systems Support and Project Management to Customer Services. There are fantastic career opportunities in this area of our business whether you’re interested in customer service, economics, product management, system design, contract management or relationship management.

Interested in joining our team? The recruitment process within Cargo may vary depending on your role. However, here’s an example of what to expect.

A career with Cargo can take you anywhere. Career paths are varied within the individual Cargo departments and we provide ongoing development and opportunities to contribute to business improvement initiatives.

Initial induction and training will set you on the right path to consolidate your skills and add value to our customers, culture and business.Our Cargo team can progress within their role and gain experience after completing various defined learning activities. Coaching, mentoring and performance development is a big focus and depending on an individuals’ skills, attitude and abilities, you can progress to leadership roles within Cargo; or move between departments or elsewhere in the airline.

Your first few weeks in any roles within Cargo are largely focused on getting you used to the new business environment and understanding the business and its requirements. You’ll meet everyone you need to know and be given a summary of the different departments, managers and how the business operates.