Airways is New Zealand’s air navigation service provider, responsible for managing one of the largest airspaces in the world. From 19 control towers, two operating centres and technical bases across the country, we deliver modern, reliable air traffic management services and maintain the infrastructure that supports the safe and efficient movement of aircraft across our skies.
Our purpose
Every year, our team guides over 400,000 flights through New Zealand’s airspace. We work with a diverse range of customers — including airlines, airports, private and commercial aircraft operators, and the New Zealand Defence Force — to help ensure all passengers and cargo reach their destinations safely.
Through our subsidiary, Airways International Ltd (AIL), we also take our expertise global. AIL provides consultancy, airspace design, and training services in more than 60 countries, supporting safe and integrated airspace systems through a proactive safety culture, expert knowledge and innovative technology.
We’re committed to achieving our goals in a socially and environmentally responsible way, that supports our people, our industry and the wider communities we serve.
Airways is a State-Owned Enterprise, established under the State-Owned Enterprises Act 1987.
Our Strategy
Our strategy maps a clear pathway for Airways over the next ten years, ensuring we take the future into consideration in all our decisions and actions. By embracing innovation, sustainability, and collaboration, we are shaping the aviation environment of tomorrow.
Our purpose
Safe skies today and tomorrow
Our vision
Create the aviation environment of the future
Strategic pillars
Our strategy is centred around four strategic pillars. They are:
We are focused on creating a diverse workplace where people feel valued, rewarded and, most importantly, safe. We will invest in our people to ensure we provide opportunities to grow and develop them.
By focusing on attracting, developing and retaining our people, we will become an employer of choice in the aviation industry and future proof our workforce.
Aviation is changing and we are seeing new and different entrants into our airspace. We are committed to delivering a safe, flexible and accessible customer experience at a fair price through the use of technology and innovation.
The aviation industry is rapidly moving to adopt more sustainable options. We will continue to champion a sustainable approach to airspace management to ensure the industry achieves its long-term objectives.
By working collaboratively to harness the expertise across Airways, we will be able to unlock future growth and be a world leader in safe airspace management and services at home and across the globe.
Our industry associations and memberships
Airways is a founding member of CANSO, with our technical experts leading and contributing to a number of operational and safety focussed working committees within the organisation.
Airways is represented on ICAO panels focussed on procedure development and safety.
Airways is a sustainable Business Network Impact Investor.