waikato times can probably dream but anyway:
Air academy may take off in Waikato
The Waikato is being eyed by Air New Zealand as a possible site for a new aviation academy.
The facility, to be set up by the end of the year, would train pilots, cabin crew, engineers and specialist airline management staff.
Air New Zealand is scouting for locations and confirmed Waikato was one area it was looking at.
If it went ahead, it would be a major boost for the Waikato aviation industry, with up to 300 pilots and engineers going through each year.
Hamilton International Airport is an obvious regional location with aviation-related industry already established there, including major pilot trainer CTC Aviation.
Air New Zealand general manager airline operations and chief pilot David Morgan said the plan was to establish the academy in partnership with industry, offering people the ability to train at different locations around the country.
Airport chief executive Chris Doak said any discussion about establishing training facilities would be held between the airline and the training organisations on site.
Captain Morgan said the academy was being set up to ensure the steady flow of local talent into Air New Zealand and other airlines within the Asia Pacific region.
"The academy will form the basis of Air New Zealand's long-term commitment.''
As well as providing training for those starting out, Captain Morgan said the academy would provide support and training for staff moving through their careers, including aircraft type rating and simulator training.
He estimated the airline would need between 90 and 150 new pilots a year as the fleet grew.
Air New Zealand is in discussion with potential partners.
The Katolyst Group chief executive Graham Smith welcomed news Hamilton was among possible sites.
"It would definitely build on existing capabilities that are here now,'' Mr Smith said.
"We're making inquiries as to how we could facilitate that further. Certainly we're trying to speak to all the right people to advance the region.''
CTC Aviation New Zealand chief executive John Jones said "airspace troubles'' could be an issue, but those problems were not limited to Hamilton.
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