Expression of Interest

It's a great time to join the Air New Zealand jet fleet

We are looking for expressions of interest from external pilots wanting to join Air New Zealand in our jet fleets.

Entry as a pilot into our jet fleet is as a second officer on B787 or B777 aircraft, or first officer on our A320/A321s.

Our pilots are valued as leaders who understand our business and are committed to delivering exceptional service to our customers. Strong problem-solving skills, a clear customer focus, and a friendly, can-do attitude are the attributes required to keep Air New Zealand operating at world-class levels.

Recruitment for our jet fleet is now subject to our Regional Pilot Priority Process (RPPP) via which jet pilot vacancies are predominantly filled by internal transfers from our turboprop fleets. We will still hire a small number of pilots from external sources from time to time, and in accordance with the external eligibility criteria described in the RPPP.

To be eligible to apply, you must meet one of the following criteria:

• Have at least 12 months multi-crew, multi-turbine engine Part 121 or Part 125 (or equivalent weight category) turboprop command experience, meeting the following requirements:

1. The aircraft has a Maximum Certified Take-Off Weight (MCTOW) of 7,765kgs or greater which is equivalent to a Beech 1900D aircraft; and
2. The aircraft is operated under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR); or

• Have at least 12 months Part 121 or Part 125 (or equivalent weight category) jet first officer experience; or
• Have Part 121 or Part 125 (or equivalent weight category) jet captain experience; or
• Have at least 12 months multi-crew, multi-turbine engine fixed wing command experience with the RNZAF or other air force on aircraft at least equivalent in weight category to Part 121 or Part 125 (or equivalent weight category) turboprop aircraft.

Minimum Requirements:

• NZCAA* CPL or ATPL, and MEIR
• NZCAA* Class 1 Medical
• 1500 hours total time, including 100 hours multi-engine aeroplane, 100 hours ATO**, 40 hours instrument flight time, 25 hours night
• NZCAA BTK/BGT
• University Entrance or equivalence
• L6 English Language Proficiency or greater
• Only New Zealand citizens, permanent residents/residents, Australian citizens, or Australian permanent residents will be considered. The ability to travel overseas is required, including a valid passport and necessary visas.
  
  *NZCAA licences are required prior to employment with Air New Zealand. Candidates undergoing overseas-issued licence conversion may be offered an interview in anticipation of obtaining the required NZCAA qualifications.
  
  **Exceptions made for applicants with military experience.

To support the prioritisation of internal transfers, external candidates who have operated as a turboprop pilot with Air New Zealand, Mount Cook Airline, Air Nelson or Eagle Airways within the last 8 years will not be eligible.

What's in it for you?

Our pilots do more than fly planes; they take great pride in providing customers with safe and enjoyable journeys, wherever they travel with us on our diverse route network. Favourable work conditions include flexible-flying (part-time work) options, the ability to apply for a sabbatical, fatigue mitigation and wellness resources, insurance, and generous sick leave provisions.

Development opportunities include roles in training, recruitment, management, working groups, projects, and as brand ambassadors in community engagement. Our commitment to diversity has helped create a vibrant working environment where everyone feels welcome and we have a number of cultural, community, and professional networks as well as interest groups that you can join.

How to Apply:

• All applications must be submitted online - click the Apply Now button below to register and apply
• Please have your logbook and licence information handy at the time of registration

Recruitment Process:

• Initial screening against our minimum standards
• Online cognitive assessment
• 2-day Assessment Centre held in Auckland
• Pre-employment checks
• Offer of employment

What you need to know about the RPPP:

Air New Zealand maintains two separate seniority lists (one for jet pilots and one for turboprop pilots). All new jet pilots (whether they are external applicants or previous Air New Zealand turboprop pilots) will continue to join at the bottom of the jet seniority list. 

We value the Air New Zealand experience of our turboprop pilots and therefore prioritise hiring new jet pilots from within our turboprop ranks. However, we can still hire up to 10% of new jet pilots from external sources in normal circumstances. These pilots are added to the bottom of the jet seniority list, below any internal turboprop pilots appointed to the same course or to any other jet course that starts on the same day.

If we cannot release turboprop pilots to jet roles at a rate that meets our requirements and the external hiring ratio has been met, we can continue to hire externally and reserve places on the jet seniority list for our turboprop pilots on a one to four ratio. In this scenario for every external pilot who joins the list, four Air New Zealand turboprop pilots will be added to the jet seniority list above the external pilot. These internal pilots will take up active employment with the jet fleet when a vacancy arises for which they can be released.

The priority afforded to Air New Zealand turboprop pilots means an external pilot joining the jet fleet will be added to the jet seniority list below any internal turboprop pilots appointed to a jet course that starts on the same day, including any turboprop pilots appointed under the one to four ratio.

- This role is not currently covered by any New Zealand Government vaccination order or company vaccination policy. However, a COVID-19 vaccination requirement remains in place for some offshore ports. This means that being unvaccinated may impact the ports you can operate to and your ability to fulfil the role. Air New Zealand strongly encourages vaccination to protect against the known risks associated with COVID-19. Please be aware that this role could be subject to a vaccination requirement in the future

At Air New Zealand, we are proudly committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and believe in creating a truly inclusive workplace where everyone can be themselves and thrive. Our people are our greatest asset – because while everything else we do in our operation can be replicated by our competitors, it is our people that truly set us apart. We are firm believers in celebrating the differences and diversity of thought our people bring to their roles.

Whāia te pae tawhiti kia tata. Ko te pae tata whakamaua, kia tina.

"Seek to bring distant horizons closer. Once near, seize them and make them your reality."