The funding includes support for recipients to complete additional training that focuses on the type of specialist pilot skills the aviation and tech company requires from new recruits.

The Flying Kangaroo also confirmed it would use its strong position to purchase an additional eight A321XLRs to take its future fleet of the next generation aircraft to 28.

The carrier says Auckland Airport’s multi-billion-dollar redevelopment, to take place over 10 years and be funded in part by increases to aeronautical charges, will lead to “unaffordable airfares for some Kiwis”. It has lodged an official request with NZ Commerce Minister Andrew Bayly for an inquiry.

Under the proposed system announced on Wednesday, Sydney would be allowed 85 flight movements per hour instead of 80 for a maximum of two hours on days where major disruptions occur, which would result in fewer cancellations and overnight delays.