Speech to the Australasian launch of the Jetstar cadet pilot programme
I'm very pleased to be here at the Australasian launch of the Jetstar cadet pilot programme.
This programme has been developed by the aviation training group CTC especially for Jetstar. It is an 18 month programme which gives young New Zealanders the chance to build a career as First Officers within Jetstar in Australia and New Zealand.
This is a great initiative which will help talented young men and women to realise their dreams of becoming an airline pilot.
I've done a few flying lessons myself so I have an idea of the dedication required to become a professional pilot. I would dearly love to have some more flight training when I have a bit more time available.
It will be a great asset for this region. In 2004 CTC opened a brand new purpose-built training centre here in Hamilton, and this new programme is a further vote of confidence.
It will also attract plenty of foreign students, representing another boost to the local economy.
This represents a significant investment by Jetstar into the local community, and into New Zealand aviation.
It's a much needed investment, because based on current growth rates, it is expected that within about seven years there won't be enough pilots to meet worldwide demand.
For a small and remote nation like New Zealand, moving people and goods to markets is crucial.
The government's top priority for transport is to maximise its contribution to economic growth and productivity. We rely on tourism and trade to make a living in the world, and air travel plays a huge part in that. Put simply - we need pilots.
This commitment by Jetstar to New Zealand is welcome, given that it has been a tough few years for aviation around the world.
The recession has had a major impact. Among other things, we have seen a decline in the number of domestic and international passengers, meaning we really need to work hard to promote New Zealand.
The Prime Minister John Key is also the Minister of Tourism, and as part of the Budget this year he announced $30 million in new funding for tourism. $25 million of this will go into overseas marketing to encourage more visitors here, and Australia is one of the main targets.
Already though there are encouraging signs the economy is getting back on its feet, and healthy growth is forecast for the next few years. This is good news for New Zealand, good news for Hamilton and good news for Jetstar.
Of course New Zealand has a proud history in aviation, from Richard Pearse and his homemade flights through to pioneers like Jean Batten.
We have a proud record on safety too, with high standards demanded by the public and by regulators. Good quality pilot training is an essential element in ensuring it stays that way.
Congratulations to Jetstar, CTC and all those who have been involved in developing this project. It is exciting for the region, and exciting for the aviation industry.
Thank you.