Media Releases

The future of Middle Eastern aviation begins in Christchurch

This week marks the arrival of 30 Saudi Arabian air traffic control students in Christchurch, the first ‘batch’ in a contract that will potentially deliver millions of dollars into the local economy and secure Airways reputation as one of the world’s leading providers of specialist aviation training

NZ’s longest-serving air traffic controller to accept AOPA Award

The year was 1965: Holyoake was PM; Ray Columbus was all that; NZ had just signed a Free Trade Agreement with Australia (excluding apples of course!) and Peter Lund-Jackson began training to become an air traffic controller. Fast-forward 45 years and Lund-Jackson is still ‘talking down planes’ at Queenstown airport and before he hangs up his headphones for good later this year, he’ll take his place as one of NZ’s longest-serving controllers.

Automated Billing System project commenced in Saudi Arabia

The General Authority of Civil Aviation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (GACA) has engaged Airways International Limited (a subsidiary of Airways Corporation of New Zealand Ltd) to implement its Flight-YieldTM Automated Billing Solution.

Airways New Zealand – Annual Report 2008/09

Airways New Zealand today released their Annual Report announcing results for the financial year ending 30 June 2009. On the back of the unprecedented financial decline within the aviation industry, Airways recorded a net operating profit after tax of $4.5 million and delivered a $6 million dividend to the shareholder.

ASPIRE Annual Report: ‘Green’ flight test results released

The Asia and South Pacific Initiative to Reduce Emissions (ASPIRE) partnership group have released their inaugural Annual Report - proving the aviation industry is serious about reducing its impact on the environment and improving on current best practice.

Investing in the safety of NZ pilots

Aircraft tracking solutions company spidertracks has teamed up with Airways NZ and Lynne Erceg to support the safety of general aviation (GA) pilots in New Zealand. Together they are subsidising the purchase and subscription costs of spidertracks’ satellite tracking devices for owners of New Zealand-registered aircraft.

‘Cutting edge’ technology for Queenstown flights

A new system of aircraft surveillance being installed in Queenstown will provide another “layer of safety”, according to Airways senior engineer, Roger Kippenberger. Most of the resource consents to install Wide Area Multilateration (MLAT) surveillance equipment in the hills around Queenstown have been granted. Following an extensive test period, the system will be put to work just in time for the marginal winter weather in July.

Christchurch’s control tower taking shape

It’s being touted as Christchurch’s next icon – Airways New Zealand’s new control tower at Christchurch Airport – which is beginning to rise above the car park and will soon preside over some of the very best views of the city and surrounds.

Airways New Zealand – the year that was

Airways New Zealand today released their Annual Report announcing results for the financial year ending 30 June 2008. Airways achieved all of its stated financial and operational targets, including a net profit after tax of $10.6 million; a $6 million dividend to the shareholder; and a $2 million rebate to customers. Airways CEO, Ashley Smout, said the company’s result was solid and reflected an ongoing commitment to innovation, collaboration and the delivery of world class products and services.

Come fly with us - International Air Traffic Controllers’ Day

Hollywood has long portrayed air traffic control (ATC) as a frazzled occupation, fraught with imminent disaster and immense levels of stress. The reality is quite different and with International Air Traffic Controllers’ Day being celebrated on Monday 20 October, what better opportunity to dispel the myths about a career that lets you live life above the skyline.

Airways NZ gives the all clear for world-first flight

The future of air travel will take off from Auckland Airport this week with the world’s first test flight to measure the impact of optimum flight conduct on reducing carbon emissions. Airways New Zealand,  along with key aviation partners in the US, Tahiti and NZ, will provide optimised air traffic control services to an Air New Zealand commercial Boeing 777 flight NZ8, re-named ASPIRE I, between Auckland and San Francisco. 

Airways New Zealand wins two Computerworld Magazine awards for revolutionary air traffic control system

Airways New Zealand has, for the third year running, received national recognition for the quality of its software development in the Computerworld Magazine Excellence in ICT Awards. The Airways-developed Collaborative Arrivals Manager won the Excellence in the Use of ICT for Customer Service and Best Sustainable ICT Project award categories.

Airways New Zealand wins IATA Eagle Award

Airways New Zealand, New Zealand’s Air Navigation Services Provider, has been singled out by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for its second Eagle Award in five years, at IATA’s 64th Annual General Meeting and World Transport Summit in Istanbul, Turkey.

Airways International to install automated flight billing system into China

Airways International, the international arm of Airways New Zealand, has secured a contract to implement its ‘Flight-Yield’ automated aviation billing system for the Civil Aviation Administration of China.

Airways hosts the 12th Thales Users Group Conference in Christchurch

Airways New Zealand hosted the 12th Thales Users Group (TUG) conference in Christchurch from 16th to 20th March 2008. The event has been organised every 18 months since 1991 by customers of Thales's air traffic management activities.

Airways New Zealand signs with US and Australia to reduce aircraft emissions

Airways New Zealand, New Zealand's air navigation services provider, has this week signed an historic trilateral agreement with the US Federal Aviation Administration and Airservices Australia to accelerate the development of air traffic control procedures which will reduce aviation's environmental footprint worldwide.

Airways New Zealand contributing to cleaner skies

Airways New Zealand, New Zealand's air navigation services provider, is providing a of range service efficiencies, improved procedures, and world-leading initiatives to assist airlines in their quest to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as they fly into and over New Zealand's 37 million square kilometres of airspace.

Airways New Zealand CEO elected to third term as Chair of Global Air Traffic Organisation

Ashley Smout, CEO of Airways New Zealand, has been elected Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation (CANSO) for a third term of twelve months, at the Organisation's Annual General Meeting in Kochi, India.

Airways New Zealand to trial 'Optimum Arrivals' into Auckland

Airways New Zealand, New Zealand's air navigation services provider, is to undertake a trial of a new type of approach procedure for Air New Zealand and Qantas international jet aircraft arriving at Auckland International Airport.

Airways New Zealand joins with Massey University to offer Bachelor of Aviation Management

Airways New Zealand, New Zealand's Air Traffic Control and Air Navigation Services provider, is to collaborate with Massey University's School of Aviation to enable budding air traffic controllers to combine a degree with specialist air traffic control training.

Airways New Zealand Announces 2005/06 Annual Result

The State Owned Enterprise, Airways Corporation of New Zealand has announced its annual result for the twelve months to 30 June 2006. The company achieved a net profit after tax of $8.24 million - equivalent to last year's record result. After abnormal adjustments the result was a $7.57 million net profit after tax and a return on equity of 19.3 percent. Airways returned a total of $8 million in dividends to its Shareholder, the Government.

Airways New Zealand signs up local IT company to deliver world first in aviation traffic management

Airways New Zealand, New Zealand's air traffic control and air navigation Services provider, has contracted Christchurch IT company Alchemy to develop an online air transport capacity management tool which will deliver significant benefits for New Zealand's national aviation transport infrastructure.

Airways New Zealand picks up Computerworld Overall Excellence in IT Award for ATC training simulator 26 July 2006

Airways New Zealand, New Zealand's Air Traffic Control and Air Navigation Services provider, has just been awarded three high profile IT awards including the Overall Excellence in IT Award from ComputerWorld Magazine, for its New Zealand-developed air traffic control training simulator.

Airways New Zealand consolidates at Canterbury Technology Park 28 February 2006

Airways New Zealand, New Zealand's Air Traffic Control and Air Navigation Services provider, has approved plans for a major expansion of its Christchurch base at the Canterbury Technology Park. The expansion includes the purchase of land adjacent to its existing facilities, and the development of a purpose-built facility to enable Airways to relocate many of its existing Christchurch-based operations to the Technology Park.

Airways New Zealand Announces Annual Result, October 14 2005

The State Owned Enterprise, Airways New Zealand, has announced its annual result for the twelve months to 30 June 2005. The company achieved an Economic Value Added (EVA*) result of $3.3 million, (compared to $3.0 million in 2003/04), which is an after tax profit of $8.2 million. The result included $798k EVA from the International and Technical Ventures Division.

Airways New Zealand Expands Export Base, January 27 2005

New Zealand's 2003 Services Exporter of the Year, Airways New Zealand, has continued to build upon its export success in 2004, with the demand for the State Owned Enterprise's air navigation services and technology products continuing to grow.

New Chairman for Airways New Zealand, December 15 2004

The Minister for State Owned Enterprises has appointed Mr Con Anastasiou to succeed Errol Millar as Chairman of Airways New Zealand, effective from 1 January 2005.

Airways New Zealand Announces Annual Result, November 9, 2004

Airways New Zealand has announced its annual result for the twelve months to 30 June 2004. The company has achieved an Economic Value Added (EVA*) Group after tax profit of $5.6 million, significantly up on last year's profit of $3.9 million, owing largely to an increase in trans-Tasman traffic and a resurgence in domestic travel. As a result, Airways has been able to return a total of $12 million in dividends to its shareholders, and pay $2.6 million in rebates to its customers in line with its Partnership Plan.

Airways New Zealand to introduce 30/30 separation, September 21, 2004

New Zealand's air traffic management provider, Airways New Zealand, intends to reduce its air traffic separation within the Auckland Oceanic FIR (flight information region) down to 30 nautical miles longitude and 30 nautical miles latitude in November 2004. This is the first such reduced separation to be implemented globally.

Airways New Zealand receives industry recognition for excellence, July 30, 2004

Airways New Zealand has been recognised for 'excellence in the provision of air traffic control services' by the Aviation Industry Association of New Zealand at its annual conference in Auckland last week. More >>

Airways Goes Virtual - Christchurch, July 10, 2004

In a joint release today, Airways New Zealand CEO Ashley Smout and Animation Research Limited Managing Director Ian Taylor announced a multi million dollar collaboration to build a new generation Air Traffic Control Simulator. More >>