Leading by example

What was particularly impressive is how the aviation industry was integrated into Brand NZ, a robust government-wide initiative to bring Kiwi products to the world. In addition, the local regulator, CAANZ, appeared to be able to marry its safety role to the country’s export aspirations. There seemed to be an atmosphere of mutual respect between the regulator and the industry.

Of course, it can all seem rosy when you are a visitor. New Zealand still has particular regulatory challenges on the aviation medical and training fronts, but with one national government and no states it appears to be more nimble in terms of spotting aviation opportunities and then successfully seeking overseas business partners. One obvious aviation business partnership that did not feature prominently at the leadership summit was, somewhat surprisingly, with Australia. Aviation business opportunities between the two countries are under-explored and overdue for a fresh look. With the Aviation New Zealand CEO, Samantha Sharif, speaking at the RAAA national convention in October, it is planned to have discussions as to how we can restart the exploration of our relatively close markets that should, if encouraged properly, provide further opportunities for both countries.

It was also enlightening to hear that the World Bank is providing millions of dollars in very low cost loans to a number of Pacific nations to enable them to improve significantly their aviation infrastructure. It was interesting to hear that New Zealand was chosen by the World Bank to lead and administer these vital projects because the aviation regulations were common to all the participants and based on the New Zealand model.

While smaller in land mass than Australia, New Zealand nonetheless is a rugged country with many geographic and weather-related challenges. Modern aviation solutions are vital to its economic and social interests, just as they are in Australia. The end solutions may be different but the safety and technical challenges are similar. Perhaps this can be explored further with our Kiwi colleagues

The time is cherry-ripe to move from review to action.

and become a regular aviation business forum? It seems to be long overdue.

On the Australian front, the government’s response to the impressive Forsythe Review can’t come soon enough. It’s not often you get 90 per cent agreement from industry about an aviation review and this level of energy and focus must not be lost. Many operators and businesses are waiting to see which way the government will jump with respect to the recommendations before they commit their hard-earned to expanding their businesses, whether it be services or hardware.

The government now has all the industry reactions to the Forsythe recommendations so the time is cherry-ripe to move from review to action. An early good sign is the appointment of Jeff Boyd as the new deputy chair of CASA. The board was always crying out for more aviation business and technical expertise. Jeff will be able to lead and deliver on these fronts admirably. The industry is also waiting to hear who will join him on the revamped board.

With a likely tough 18 months to two years approaching for the aviation industry it is vital that all unnecessary taxes and red tape are removed. The abolition of the carbon tax is a good first step.

In addition, government aviation bodies such as CASA, ATSB and Airservices will continue to need senior industry people embedded in their leadership if they are to regain the confidence of industry and assist in weathering the economic storms ahead. Let’s hope this trend gathers pace.