Source: Airways NZ
- 492,037 flights safely managed through 30 million square kilometres of airspace
- No WorkSafe notifiable events involving our people
- Net operating profit after tax of $11.9m
- $10 million dividend returned to the New Zealand Government
Airways New Zealand has today announced its annual results for the year ending 30 June 2025. The air navigation services provider is reporting strong safety and operational performance and a positive financial result.
Throughout the year Airways continued to deliver on its core purpose of ensuring the safety of New Zealand skies, safely managing 492,037 flights through the 30 million square kilometres of airspace it controls.
“While the aviation sector navigates a complex operating environment, Airways remains focussed on delivering safe, efficient and dependable services,” Board Chair Denise Church QSO says.
The State-Owned Enterprise is reporting a net profit after tax of $11.9 million for the year ended 30 June 2025. Airways will also deliver a dividend of $10 million to its government shareholder.
“These results were delivered against a backdrop of a tight fiscal environment and operational constraints across the aviation sector, demonstrating our strong cost discipline and long-term investment focus”, Ms Church says.
While the long-term outlook for New Zealand air traffic is positive, the 2026 financial year will present headwinds as the challenging fiscal environment in the industry continues.
Air traffic volumes remain at around 90% of 2019 levels which presents challenges in a user-pay environment with service level agreements in place for the provision of air traffic services. In this context, Airways recently concluded its pricing consultation for the FY26-28 period.
“Airways has acknowledged the ongoing challenges facing the New Zealand aviation industry as it grapples with a number of challenges. We will continue to balance cost management in the current industry context with our obligations to provide a safe, efficient and reliable service now and into the future”, Ms Church says.
Appropriate prioritisation of work and continuing to work closely with stakeholders will ensure Airways continues to meet its objectives, Chief Executive James Young says.
“We look forward to continuing to deliver value to New Zealand through the essential service we provide and financial return to our shareholder,” he says.
This year, Airways hosted the Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation (CANSO) Global Safety Conference in Christchurch. The event brought together 160 senior leaders from the global aviation sector, providing a platform to exchange insights and reinforce New Zealand’s contribution to international airspace safety.
My Young says “Hosting the conference provided insights that will help us further strengthen how we serve all users of New Zealand’s airspace, generated commercial opportunities and highlighted our position as a trusted global partner.”
About Airways
Airways New Zealand provides air navigation services within New Zealand airspace and across our Auckland Oceanic Flight Information Region – one of the largest airspace regions in the world.
We are also responsible for maintaining and investing in the aviation infrastructure that supports New Zealand’s air traffic management system.
Alongside our core business providing air traffic management services in New Zealand, Airways International delivers air traffic management consultancy, airspace design, and training products and services around the world.
Airways employs approximately 800 staff in highly skilled and technical roles. Our people work across two surveillance centres in Christchurch and Auckland, 19 towers and corporate offices in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
