Airlines flying over NZ have to upgrade technology

[WELLINGTON] Airlines and pilots flying over New Zealand will be required to upgrade navigation, communications and other flight systems under a New Zealand government plan to modernise the aviation sector over the next 10 years.

Transport Minister Gerry Brownlee on Monday said that the National Airspace and Air Navigation Plan enabled the introduction of new technologies, resulting in shorter journeys, fewer delays, improved safety and lower carbon emissions.

"This plan outlines how the government and aviation industry will manage the transition from ground-based to modern satellite-based navigation and surveillance technologies, digital information and communication systems, and streamlined air traffic control," Mr Brownlee said in a statement. "It promotes the uptake of new technologies with an estimated economic benefit of almost NZ$2 billion (S$2.2 billion) over the next 20 years."