Airways New Zealand and Airservices Australia win global award for collaboration

Airways New Zealand and Airservices Australia have been recognised on the global stage, winning the Collaborative Operations for Sustainable Skies category at the Seamless Skies Awards in Lisbon.

Announced at Airspace World 2026, the award recognises a landmark strategic partnership that is reshaping how air navigation service providers respond to shared operational, workforce and sustainability challenges.

The two organisations were recognised for their joint approach to building a more resilient and efficient aviation system across one of the world’s most geographically dispersed regions, combining expertise to deliver practical, scalable solutions.

Formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding in December 2025, the partnership spans operations and innovation, workforce planning and training, safety intelligence and regional leadership.

Together, Airways and Airservices Australia are co designing and delivering initiatives that strengthen air traffic control capability and improve system performance. These include shared training pathways, mobile and remote simulation, joint recruitment and selection, and the development of contingency capability to support each other’s airspace during disruptions.

The introduction of portable simulation technology enables controllers to train at their home units, reducing travel, lowering emissions and minimising roster disruption, while maintaining high training standards.

The organisations have also aligned training systems and expanded cross-border delivery, creating a stronger pipeline of air traffic controllers and improving time to competency.

Airways New Zealand Chief Executive James Young says the award reflects the strength of the two organisations working together to solve shared challenges.

"This recognition highlights what can be achieved when we take a truly collaborative approach. By pooling our expertise and resources, we are improving how we train, plan and operate, while building a more resilient and sustainable aviation system for our region.”

Airservices Australia Chief Executive Officer Rob Sharp says the partnership is delivering meaningful outcomes for the aviation industry.

“This collaboration shows how two organisations can work together to address common challenges and deliver real results. From training and simulation through to workforce planning and contingency capability, we are strengthening our ability to support safe, efficient and sustainable air traffic operations.”

The partnership is already delivering measurable benefits, including faster training timelines, reduced costs, improved operational continuity and lower environmental impact through reduced travel.

The award recognises Airways New Zealand and Airservices Australia as leaders in regional collaboration, setting a benchmark for how partnership can support the future of aviation across the Asia Pacific region.