Flying cars considered for air navigation review

An independent review of New Zealand’s air navigation system will include new and emerging technology and innovative uses like electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft such as Canterbury’s “Cora” Wisk trial.

“The Air Navigation System Review is taking a high-level look at the whole system and all of the different activities that it supports,” says a transport spokesperson.

“The aim of the review is to make sure it is well designed and able to serve New Zealand well into the future.

“New and emerging technology and innovative uses of aviation, like eVTOL (aka flying taxis and flying cars), will be considered as a part of the review, to make sure the system will support that in the future.”

Transport minister Michael Wood says a modern and responsive air navigation system is vital for keeping New Zealand safe, connected, growing, resilient and secure.

“Since the current system was implemented in 2012, we have seen advancements in technology, the security environment, and changing demands and expectations. Therefore it’s time we look at all parts of the system to make sure it continues to serve us well into the future.”

Wood says the air navigation system is all the pieces that allow people to safely fly around New Zealand.

“The system includes the equipment like radar and radio, air traffic control services and crucial information like weather. It also includes the systems air traffic controllers’ need to keep aircraft safety separated and for everyone to communicate.”

The review will be chaired by Debbie Francis and will be supported by a reference group to provide detailed input from each of the diverse parts of the aviation sector.

Francis will be joined on the independent panel by Howard Fancy, Ed Sims and Danny Tuato’o.

“Debbie is a highly experienced consultant who has served a senior executive across the public and private sectors and has previously led independent reviews in the public sector, including the review of the culture in the New Zealand Parliamentary Workplace,” Wood explains.

“I’m confident that this review panel will work with stakeholders across the sector to understand where the gaps are, where improvements can be made, and what we need to do to continue to have a strong air navigation system.”

The review runs from June 2022 and will present final recommendations to the transport minister.