The Mangōpare Pilot Cadetship: a year of progress

In 2024, Air New Zealand launched the Mangōpare Pilot Cadetship to address the global pilot shortage and make aviation careers more accessible. This program has significantly shortened the training period, allowing cadets to become commercial pilots in just 14 months.

The cadetship covers most training and living expenses, making it possible for people from various backgrounds to pursue their dream of flying. This initiative has helped many who previously found the costs of pilot training prohibitive.

The first group of cadets included 30 individuals selected from over 2000 applicants. Sarah Thompson, one of the cadets, shared her experience: "This cadetship has changed my life. I never imagined I would be flying planes and on my way to becoming a commercial pilot so quickly."

James Ngata, another cadet, was motivated by the program's focus on diversity. "Seeing Air New Zealand's commitment to increasing ethnic diversity among its pilots gave me the confidence to apply," James says. "The support and training I've received have been excellent."

As the first group of cadets completes their training, Air New Zealand is well-prepared to meet future travel demands. The Mangōpare Pilot Cadetship continues to attract aspiring pilots, ensuring a steady stream of talent for the airline.

While applications for the next intake are not currently open, we encourage you to keep an eye on our careers site (careers.airnewzealand.co.nz/pilots) for updates. If you've ever dreamed of becoming a pilot, this could be your opportunity.

At Air New Zealand, we're committed to supporting the next generation of pilots.