▶ 491,144 flights safely managed through 30 million square kilometres of airspace
▶ No attributable Category A serious air proximity events or WorkSafe notifiable events.
▶ Net operating profit after tax of $22.8m
▶ $11m dividend returned to the New Zealand Government
Airways New Zealand has today announced its annual results for the year ending 30 June 2026. The air navigation service provider is reporting strong safety and operational performance and a positive financial result.
Throughout the year, Airways safely managed 491,144 flights through the 30 million square kilometres of airspace it controls, a slight decrease from last year. While volumes have remained at around 90% of 2019 levels, the industry was recovering up to the point where geopolitical unrest in the Middle East affected fuel prices.
Throughout the year, Airways maintained strong operational performance for its customers, while also improving customer satisfaction from 66% to 76%. Airways also completed the year with no attributable Category A serious air proximity events or WorkSafe notifiable events.
Airways has reported a net profit after tax of $22.8 million for the year ended 30 June 2026.
“Airways maintained a strong focus on cost control, prioritising expenditure and identifying efficiencies while protecting the safety and reliability of our services. This disciplined approach supports long-term financial sustainability and Airways' commitment to delivering value for customers,” says Board Chair Darin Cusack.
The financial result reflects the first year of Airways’ three-year pricing period. Recognising the challenging conditions for the wider aviation industry in the later part of the financial year, Airways made the decision to hold planned pricing changes from 1 July 2026 until 1 January 2027.
$7.6 million, following a strategic reset of the commercial strategy and strengthened international partnerships in the Asia-Pacific region.
The state-owned enterprise has returned an $11 million dividend for the year to its shareholder, the New Zealand Government.
Chief Executive James Young says the stable result provides a platform for Airways to continue to invest in the aviation system.
“This year we initiated a review of our service framework looking at how New Zealand’s air navigation services can continue to meet current and future aviation needs. This ensures we continue to focus on the services and investments that deliver value for customers and modernise the system,” says Mr Young.
The service framework review is an action the Government and industry Aviation Action Plan.
ENDS
For more information please contact:
Liz Patrick, Communications Manager
P: +64 21 438 243 E: communications@airways.co.nz
About Airways New Zealand
Airways provides air navigation services within New Zealand airspace, and across our Oceanic Flight Information Region – one of the largest airspace regions in the world.
We are also responsible for maintaining and investing in the aviation infrastructure that supports New Zealand’s air traffic management system.
Alongside our core business providing air traffic management services in New Zealand, Airways International delivers air traffic management consultancy, airspace design, and training products and services around the world.
Airways employs approximately 800 staff nationally in highly skilled and technical roles. Our people work across the Christchurch Radar Centre, Auckland Oceanic Centre, 17 control towers, and corporate offices in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.