What is publicly known about Air New Zealand pilot pay?

In May 2020 the Otago Daily Times reported that some Air New Zealand captains made a basic salary of around $330,000, with flying pay and other allowances on top. At that time, about 900 jet pilots agreed to what equates to a 30 per cent pay cut for nine months under a deal negotiated by the New Zealand Air Line Pilots' Association (NZALPA). Almost 300 of about 1200 jet pilot members were made redundant or took early retirement. The two recruitment pages we reviewed do not list salaries; the jet fleet page mentions flexible-flying (part-time) options, the ability to apply for a sabbatical, fatigue mitigation and wellness resources, insurance and generous sick leave provisions.13

At what rank do new pilots join?

External pilots join the jet fleet as a second officer on the Boeing 787 or 777, or as a first officer on the A320/A321. Jet applicants need, among other things, 1500 hours total time and an NZCAA ATPL or CPL with passes in all ATPL subjects. On the turboprop fleets (ATR and Dash 8 Q300), entry is at first officer level, with 500 hours total time, 25 night hours and 40 hours instrument flight time required. Air New Zealand keeps separate seniority lists for jet and turboprop pilots and normally fills jet vacancies from its own turboprop ranks, although in normal circumstances it can hire up to 10% of new jet pilots from outside.12

Who can apply?

Applications for the jet fleet are considered only from New Zealand citizens and residents, and from Australians who hold citizenship or permanent residency. Turboprop applicants with overseas licences may be considered while they convert to NZCAA licences, provided they have started the formal conversion process through Aspeq.12