info@officialpilot.com

femida@nzaal.co.nz
+91 7550214141 (All other countries)
+64 2102785519 (Only for NZ)

Turn Your Dream into Moving Reality

New Zealand Airline Academy specializes in both Private and Commercial Pilot Training. Recognized globally, NZAAL stands among the top aviation and flight schools in the world.

Become an Airline Pilot
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Building the next wave of skilled aviation professionals!

 
New Zealand Airline Academy, founded by seasoned aviation professionals with over 30 years of industry experience, is dedicated to guiding international students in selecting the right aviation training programs. The academy’s leadership team conducted in-depth research before choosing New Zealand as the ideal location for their own pilot training—ensuring the same high standards for their students. In response to the growing global demand for skilled pilots, the Academy has been sub-contracted by National Trade Academy (NTA) to provide Commercial Pilot Training for international students. Established in January 2000, NTA is a Category One provider based in Christchurch and is registered as a Private Training Establishment with the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) under the Education Act 1989 and its subsequent amendments. NTA delivers a broad spectrum of education and training programs across various sectors for both domestic and international students and also operates an English Language Academy for international learners. nta.co.nz

Why New Zealand Airline Academy?

 
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Skilled Instructors

Aviation experts with decades of experience in training international students

Quality

A brand‑new, technologically advanced fleet delivering flight hours on par with 40+ aircraft.

Inspiring Surroundings

Situated within the Oamaru Airport terminal in the Waitaki region

Prioritizing Safety

Deeply committed to safety and security, with a strong drive for success.

17 years of experience helping people for best solutions

Courses

New Zealand’s pilot training is considered one of the best in the world.

 
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Private Pilot Licence (PPL)

This is the first step to gaining your wings. A PPL holder can act as a Pilot in Command but cannot work for a salary/remuneration.

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Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL)

This program is for students wanting to go to the next level after completing their PPL and looking to a career progression as a Commercial Pilot.

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Instrument Rating (IR)

This program is completed well with-in your CPL, unless a student opts for country specific program, wherein the New Zealand Instrument rating is not required.

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instrument-rating-c-cat

Instructor Rating (C Cat)

This program is for students who hold a commercial Pilot licence and would like to pass on their skills and knowledge they’ve gained to other students.

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private-pilot-licence

Frozen ATPL (FA)

Most airlines these days prefer to take pilots with Frozen ATPL as this would allow them to start Command training once they meet the required hours on the type of aircraft.

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MCC/JOC

NZAAL's brand new aircraft are able to help students seamlessly move from the training aircraft to an advance commercial jet, however this program will take you to next level and give you an insight.

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Fly with Confidence
New Zealand’s Most Advanced Training Aircraft Await

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NZAAL'S Directors

A dynamic group of individuals who are passionate about what they do and dedicated to produce the best pilots.

CEO / Director

Jonathan Manuel

 

Jonathan is a sales and marketing professional from Chennai, India. Over a span of fifteen years, he worked for several iconic brands before embarking on his life’s passion into aviation.

He trained towards his Commercial Pilot Licence in New Zealand. Upon completion of his CPL, he worked for one of the largest flight training organisations in NZ and went on to work for NZ’s national airline – Air New Zealand.

He has been actively promoting NZ’s training capabilities to the global audience for the last 15 years. His endeavours have helped gain airline training contracts and aided flight schools in NZ to be certificated by overseas aviation regulators.

Jonathan has served on the board of Christchurch Educated to aid in the post-earthquake recovery of international education in Canterbury, and is currently serving on the board of India NZ Business Council. He has been recently chosen by the Ministry of Ethnic Affairs as a Board ready Director.

Drawing on his own experience of being run over by a bus, being given up for dead and now perusing his dreams, Jonathan passionately motivates youngsters to achieve their true potential in life.

Head of Training / Chief Flying Instructor / Director

Celroy Mascarenhas

 

Celroy Mascarenhas is originally from Mumbai in India and has called New Zealand home for the past 15 years. He is an experienced instructor who specialises in training international students. His teaching techniques are simple and effective, making him popular amongst international students. Celroy believes in the concept of “learning to understand” rather than “learning to pass exams”. He firmly believes that students who learn to understand will enjoy aviation a lot better and a positive outcome will be outstanding exam results.

In addition to this, Celroy is well versed with licence conversion processes that international students have to follow when they return home. This is greatly appreciated by students as any mistakes made during the licence conversion process can be expensive ones. Celroy is the only Director and Head of Training in New Zealand that has pilot licences in New Zealand as well as India. He has been able to build close relationships and partnerships with the flight training industry in India.

With Celroy as the Director and Head of Training at the New Zealand Airline Academy, students can be rest assured that they are in the best hands.

Have a look at what Celroy’s students have to say on the Students Speak section of our website.

See What NZAAL's Students Say!

Read the testimonials to see what NZAAL's students speak

New Zealand Airline Academy provided me with a complete package of flight training, one of the most advanced fleets equipped with touchscreen glass cockpits and with dedicated instructors so that I could achieve the ultimate learning experience in the challenging weather and terrain conditions of New Zealand. Safety was always top priority, and the prefect condition of aircraft ensured my learning was never hindered. On bad weather days, instructors sat with us so we could improve on various ground subjects. After a long flight, all you want is good food. Aviators Place provided me with high quality food and a nice room to rest and prepare for next day. Aviators Place had a dedicated room for flight planning which ensured I was well prepared. There were many other facilities such as indoor gym, pool table, table tennis, PS4, etc so we could play and have a relaxed day off. Comfortable individual rooms with all amenities ensured we were well rested before flight.
Vidit Prajapati
Vidit PrajapatiPilot-Air India
One of the best choices I made was choosing to train in a state-of-the-art aircraft with a glass cockpit. I was able to do so with the New Zealand Airline Academy. It made my flying experience really smooth and a really good transition for the future. The school and the instructors will help you every step of the way to ensure that you have the knowledge and skill set to progress through each step of your training. Also, needless to say, you’ll be training with the school that has the most advanced fleet of aircraft which will definitely make your training experience worthwhile and your transition into bigger aircraft in the future seamless.
Vaomaran Rumthao
Vaomaran RumthaoCommercial Pilot
Throughout my pilot training I have seen the New Zealand Airline Academy grow in every aspect. Our school has always provided us with more than what’s required in all aspects, which I appreciate a lot. They keep tweaking the aircraft with latest technology to provide us with the best experience in terms of knowledge and safety. NZAAL Staff were always approachable which made learning easier. I am grateful to all the instructors for being so kind always. I admire NZAAL and its owners for giving me the opportunity to fulfill my dream.
Shreyas Palve
Shreyas PalvePilot - Air Asia India
“In March 2017 I made the decision to do an instructors rating in New Zealand under the guidance of Celroy as the CFI. Whilst working full time I gained the rating in 4 months in a very well planned out course. I was trained well above standard, and In doing so I was able to keep it as cost effective as possible. As Celroy said “if you can’t teach at 0kts, you can’t teach at 100kts”. I was fortunate enough to get countless hours of tutoring working on my teaching skills, and in doing so I delivered a CPL Principles of Flight class to put my knowledge to use. I passed my flight test the first time, which was achieved because of the support and dedication my instructors gave me over the 4 months. Once I went on to instruct, I was constantly supervised under Celroy ensuring my learning didn’t stop the day I passed my flight test. I highly recommend doing an instructors rating under Celroy’s guidance.”
Stephen Kelly
Stephen KellyFirst Officer-Air New Zealand
“Nzaal was a school, that did not just offer me the best quality of training, most skilled and reputed team of instructors and managers, it showed me how it is to feel home in the most unfamiliar place and be successful whilst facing the hardest of challenges. It prepares you for the world out there in the most easiest of ways. There was no time wasted and every single day that I spent in New Zealand which is one of the happiest countries one could live in, will be cherished forever also because it had the most positive environment for my stay and flying training. Most importantly I was able to achieve my childhood dream of becoming a pilot, with the most unique methods of mentoring, by learning the most efficient ways of ensuring safety, teamwork, responsibility, being independent, punctuality, coping with diffirent situations and most importantly professionalism. I'd like to offer my heartful gratitude to NZAAL and NZAAL’s India-based Manager(Official Pilot.com by Fenz, India) for giving me the experience of the best flying training.”
Malika Tajj Nazeer Ahmed
Malika Tajj Nazeer AhmedCommercial Pilot
“Training at NZAAL has been a great experience. The school has a well-maintained fleet and knowledgeable instructors who genuinely care about your progress. One of the best things is the pace of the training—you’re able to keep moving forward with minimal delays. They also have strict standards and rules that help shape you into the kind of pilot airlines are looking for. It’s not just about logging flying hours—it’s about building the right skills and mindset to become a professional. I’d also like to mention Femida, their Indian manager, who was a great help in optimizing the joining process and travel arrangements to New Zealand. Her support made everything much smoother.”
Vaishnav M.R.
Vaishnav M.R.Commercial Pilot
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