Ground crew in yellow safety vests preparing a twin-engine propeller airplane on the runway at an airport.

Airport and Aviation Careers

Discover the many ways you can be part of the aviation industry.

Airport and Aviation Careers

Discover the many ways you can be part of the aviation industry.

Explore aviation careers.

In Aotearoa New Zealand, more than 45,000 people work across the aviation sector - a strong and growing industry that connects communities, drives tourism, and supports our economy. From pilots and engineers to air traffic controllers, airport operations, and customer service, there’s a wide range of exciting career paths to discover.

New Zealand’s airport and aviation industry is internationally respected for its world-class training, safety standards, and innovation. It’s also leading the way in sustainable aviation, with new technologies and initiatives shaping the future of flight. Whether you’re interested in flying, fixing, planning, or supporting the journey, aviation offers diverse opportunities to build a rewarding career - both here and around the world.

Our courses help uncover what working in these varied roles will be like - find your place in aviation as you explore more below.

1
Ramp Service Agent

A ramp handler, also known as a ramp agent or ramp service agent, plays a crucial role in airport operations in ground handling of aircraft.

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Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (LAME)

A LAME is the person officially licensed by a national aviation authority (like NZCAA) to certify that an aircraft is safe and fit to fly after maintenance has been performed.

Helicopter Rescue Team

Combine advanced rescue, medical support and aviation expertise to help save lives.

Flight Attendant

Become a flight attendant and provide exceptional service to passengers during their journeys.

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Air Traffic Controller

Air traffic control is a fast paced role guiding aircraft that is crucial to the safety and efficiency of air travel.

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Airport Fire Rescue Team Member

A hands-on career that combines emergency response, safety management, and teamwork, giving you the chance to make a real impact on airport operations and passenger safety every day

Aviation Ground Operations Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Leading the way behind the scenes, a CEO of an airport ground operations company ensures every flight runs safely, efficiently, and on time.

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Pilot

Becoming a pilot in New Zealand starts with the right training, licences, and a clear pathway through the aviation industry.

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Baggage Handler

Baggage Handlers keep airport operations moving by safely and efficiently loading, unloading, and managing passenger luggage and aircraft cargo.

Air Force

A career in the Air Force offers a dynamic pathway for individuals who want to serve their country while developing advanced skills in aviation, technology, leadership, and teamwork.

Customer Service Agent

Provide outstanding customer service to travelers at the airport.

Airport Health & Safety Manager

An Airport Health & Safety Manager oversees the policies, procedures, and programs that ensure the safety, wellbeing, and regulatory compliance of everyone working in or passing through an airport environment.

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Aerospace Engineer

Aerospace engineers focus on designing, developing, testing, and producing aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems and equipment.

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Airline Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

An Airline CEO oversees everything from safety and strategy to financial health and customer experience, ensuring the airline operates effectively today while preparing for the future.

Airport Operations Manager

Lead airport operations to ensure a seamless travel experience for passengers.

Airport ground crew member in orange safety vest signaling with orange wands to a white propeller airplane taxiing on runway.

Study options

We have a variety of courses to set you on the path to a career in the aviation industry.

Study options
Safety briefing in progress with a man in a yellow reflective vest speaking to a group wearing safety headphones and vests.

Why learn with JNPAT?

We do more than just teach aviation - we immerse you in it!

When you learn with us you are trained by experienced industry experts where the action happens - in fully equipped aviation workshops and Aero Clubs, utilising our ATR-72 training aircraft and industry-replica ground handling equipment, and with behind-the-scenes exposure in your local airport. Everything we do is designed to give you a true-to-life learning experience