Role Snapshot

ANZSCO Code: 231111 — Airline Pilot | 231112 — Commercial Pilot
Role Variants: Airline Captain, First Officer, Commercial Pilot, Regional Pilot, Charter Pilot, Flight Instructor
Parent Category: NZ Aviation & Maritime Roles
Skill Level: 1
Green List: Tier 1 — on the NZ Green List with a direct residence pathway for airline pilots meeting qualification thresholds
National Occupation List (NOL): Yes — eligible for AEWV with an accredited employer job offer

🇦🇺Also available for AustraliaPilot Roles in AustraliaVETASSESS · CSOL eligible→

New Zealand has a diverse aviation sector spanning international airlines, regional carriers, charter operations, agricultural aviation, and tourism flying. The role varies significantly by employer and aircraft type:

• Airline operations (Air New Zealand, Jetstar NZ) — high hours, structured rostering, union coverage
• Regional carrier flying (ATR 72, Dash 8, Beechcraft 1900) — shorter sectors, varied airfields
• Charter and scenic operations — Queenstown, Fiordland, Bay of Islands, Franz Josef
• Agricultural aviation (topdressing, spraying) — specialised low-level operations in rural NZ
• Emergency medical service (EMS) and search and rescue (SAR) — helicopter operations

Typical employers: Air New Zealand, Jetstar NZ, Sounds Air, Air Chathams, Originair, Golden Bay Air, Barrier Air, HeliOtago, Alpine Helicopters, Heli-Otago, NZ Agricultural Aviation Association operators. Smaller regional and charter operators also hire internationally when demand outpaces local supply.

Salary Benchmark

Typical Range: $76,000 – $420,000+ NZD per year, depending on experience, employer, and region.

• Entry level / early career: $76,000–$95,000 (regional/first role)
• Mid-career (4–9 years): $110,000–$180,000 (First Officer, major airline)
• Experienced / senior: $220,000–$420,000+ (Captain, Air New Zealand)

Source: AviationA2Z — Air NZ Pilot Salary 2026 | SEEK NZ | PayScale NZ | Data reviewed May 2026 | Data reviewed May 2026

Cost of living: Purchasing power varies significantly by region. For an independent comparison, see Numbeo — New Zealand. TEFI provides clients with a detailed financial planning workbook to model living costs by city and lifestyle during the migration process — ask Tate for a copy.

Where Demand Is Strongest

Pilot demand in NZ tracks airline bases and tourism infrastructure:

• Auckland — Air NZ’s main base; largest pilot workforce in NZ; international and domestic operations
• Christchurch — Air NZ South Island hub; regional and domestic operations
• Wellington — domestic trunk route operations
• Queenstown — high seasonal demand; scenic, charter, and ski-season aviation
• Nelson / Blenheim / Kerikeri — regional carrier operations (Sounds Air, Air Chathams)
• Rural NZ (nationwide) — agricultural and EMS helicopter operations; less visible to offshore candidates but genuine demand

Licensing & Professional Registration

Mandatory licence: Yes — all commercial and airline pilots must hold a CAA NZ pilot licence — CPL (Commercial Pilot Licence) or ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot Licence) depending on operation.

Key CAA NZ licence requirements:

• CPL: Minimum 150–200 hours flight time (depending on training pathway); theory exams; skills test
• ATPL: Minimum 1,500 hours total time (including 500 hours multi-crew); ATPL theory subjects; skills test. For Air NZ First Officer: typically 2,500+ hours preferred
• Class 1 Medical Certificate: Required for commercial operations
• Type Rating: Aircraft-specific; employer-funded in most airline roles

Overseas licence conversion: ICAO-compliant licences (EASA, CASA, FAA) can be converted to CAA NZ licence. The process involves theory credit assessment, skills test, and medical verification. Expect 3–6 months for conversion; some credits may reduce this. Contact CAA NZ for current conversion procedures.

Immigration Pathway

Licensing required to work: Yes — CAA NZ CPL or ATPL. ANZSCO 231111 is a Skill Level 1 occupation on Green List Tier 1.

Visa options:

• Green List Tier 1 — Straight to Residence — airline pilots meeting the qualification and wage thresholds may apply directly for residence without first holding a work visa. This is the most direct pathway for fully qualified pilots with a NZ job offer.
  
  Green List — Immigration New Zealand
• Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) — standard work visa with pathway to residence. Requires job offer from INZ-accredited employer.
  
  Immigration New Zealand — Work Visas
• Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa — points-based pathway. Airline Pilot Skill Level 1 + NZ job offer = strong points claim.
  
  Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa

For most of our clients, the job offer sets into motion a clear migration process touching upon immigration compliance, timing, city selection, quality of life, and professional opportunities — the offer is the trigger for all of it.

Important: TEFI does not provide immigration advice. Visa eligibility depends on your individual circumstances, qualifications, and current INZ policy. We recommend working with a licensed New Zealand immigration adviser for guidance specific to your situation. We refer clients to New Zealand Shores — contact Fabien Maisonneuve directly at Fabien@newzealandshores.com and mention Tate sent you.

Migrant Readiness Signals

NZ airline and aviation employers look for pilot candidates who demonstrate:

• Logbook and hours documentation: Total time, PIC time, multi-crew, instrument hours — presented clearly and verified. NZ employers are familiar with EASA, FAA, and CASA logbook formats
• Recency: Recent flying hours (within 90 days typically) matter. A gap in flying during relocation can affect your candidacy — plan accordingly
• Type experience: Hours on Boeing 737 NG/MAX, 787, ATR 72, or Dash 8 Q300/Q400 significantly improve your Air NZ and regional carrier prospects
• CRM record: Crew resource management standards; any previous employer training records and simulator check history
• Class 1 Medical: Confirm eligibility before committing to the move — do not assume your existing medical transfers directly
• English language: ICAO English Language Proficiency Level 4 minimum; Level 5 or 6 for international operations
• Career narrative: NZ airlines want to understand why you are leaving your current employer and why NZ specifically — have a clear, honest answer prepared

Where to Find Roles

• Air New Zealand Careers — check the Pilots section; expressions of interest periods open periodically
• Rotate — Air NZ Pilot Guide — independent guide covering Air NZ requirements, interview process, and cadet vs. direct entry
• SEEK NZ — search: “Pilot New Zealand”; regional carriers post here
• TradeMe Jobs — search: “Commercial Pilot NZ”
• LinkedIn — follow Air NZ, Sounds Air, Air Chathams; connect with NZ aviation recruiters directly
• Aviation recruiters: Skypeople, Parc Aviation, Altus Aviation — place pilots across Pacific region including NZ

A note on cold applications: In New Zealand, many roles are filled through referral, recruiter relationships, or candidates already known to the employer — a cold application rarely lands. To be the exception, you need an exceptional profile and direct employer contact. If you are not sure how your background will read to a NZ employer, upload your CV for no-cost, practical feedback on how your background reads to NZ employers — Tate typically responds within one business day.