A BIT ABOUT US
MEET THE TEAM
Making It Happen
Air Napier, long established in 1993 is a company that has kept pace with an ever changing aviation industry. Whether it be a scenic tour of your choice, private charter, passenger or freight service, we can help. Our comfortable aircraft combined with the highest standard of service ensures an enjoyable, stress-free experience.
“Our aim is to provide a service encompassing safety, convenience and privacy”.
Napier
Napier, known internationally as the ‘Art Deco Capital of the World’, is situated in the beautiful Hawke’s Bay region on the East Coast of the North Island of New Zealand. Benefiting from some of the highest number of sunshine hours in New Zealand, Hawke’s Bay is renowned for its many attractions, ranging from stunning vistas to award winning wineries and golf courses. Situated on the coast, Napier provides easy access to a range of terrain and landscapes making it a top holiday destination. Napier is served by Hawke’s Bay Airport, which has daily direct flights to the main centres of Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
Hawke’s Bay Regional Airport (NZNR)
Air Napier is located at Hawke’s Bay Regional Airport the main airport for Hawke’s Bay on the east coast of the North Island. The airport is approximately 10 minutes from the Napier central business district and 20 minutes from Hastings.
Shah
Chief Executive Officer
After completing the final year of his MBA from the National University of Singapore, Shah spent numerous years in leading businesses before returning to NZ. He worked with BNZ in Corporate Finance specialising in leveraged buyouts, mergers, and acquisitions. He left his position to join SO Capital full time and lead the charge on growing Air Napier.
Arsel (Mike)
Chief Business Development Officer
Mike has a wealth of experience in sports management including working for The Rugby World Cup, FIFA and University Sports NZ. He is one of the cornerstone partners/founders of SO Capital and is an expert of digital marketing.
Johnny
Chief Marketing Officer
Johnny followed in the footsteps of Isaac Newton and graduated from England with a Bachelors of Mathematics. He then proceeded to work as a financial analyst for the esteemed IBM before starting up a digital media company and e-commerce clothing brand.
John
Chief Operations Officer
John has an extensive aviation background with RNZAF, first as a helicopter pilot then flying instructor before ultimately becoming Chief of Air Force. John retired from the RNZAF in 2006 and then spent eight years as the Director of Civil Defence & Emergency Management in Wellington. John is also the Director of the Walsh Memorial Scout Flying School.
John
Quality Assurance Manager
John joined the New Zealand National Airways Corporation (NAC) in 1963. He started his career in aviation as an engineer for the first 25-years, ultimately as foreman at Line Maintenance for both NAC and, following the merger, Air New Zealand, including 5 years in Los Angeles.
Craig
Maintenance Controller
Aircraft:
Single Engine Aircraft, Turbo-prop Planes, Vintage Aircraft, Helicopters, Multi-engine Planes, War Planes
Services:
Repairs, Preventative Maintenance, Maintenance, Overhauls, Engineering, Inspections, Modifications.
Born in an aviation family, his family used to manufacture aircraft in Hamilton.
Adam
Avionics Support
Ex-Air Force Engineer. Sammy provides sound technical support, maintaining and servicing the fleets radios, GPS systems, and navigational instruments. He is a wizard with cables and electronics.
Alistair
Flight Examiner
Alistair has flown for a living since 1984 in all sorts of roles, with single engines and single seats to the large Safe Air Argosy aircraft, and passenger airliners in between. Alister joined Life Flight in 2013. For Air Napier he performs cyclical training as well as rigorous six monthly competency assessments. He is one of the most experienced pilots in New Zealand.
20,000 hours & still flying.
John
Senior Pilot
John grew up locally in Hawkes Bay and has been with Air Napier for 2 decades. In his current role as senior pilot he provides boundless knowledge and experience regarding weather, air law, and maintenance. He has flown large multi-engine turbine aircraft in America and Africa and has also been a CAT B flight instructor in New Zealand.
6,500 hours
Alec
Line Pilot
Alec started flying in 2015 in Sydney, Australia. He holds a Diploma of Aviation and has a broad array of flying experience. This includes advanced mountain flying in Queenstown, being an authorised jump pilot with Skydive Australia and more recently a remote area charter pilot.
1,000 hours
Luke
Line Pilot
Luke began flying in 2005 joining Air Napier in 2018. He has experience in both Australia and New Zealand. Luke holds a B-CAT Flight Instructor Rating and conducts most of the Part 135 Line Training for the company.
1,800 hours
Nicole
Marketing Associate
Nicole has a passion for design and creativity. She is responsible for designing clothes for local boutiques along with having management experience in the hospitality industry. Nicole's passion for photography has lead her into a role of providing the group with digital content.
Kaye
Office Manager
Kaye joined Air Napier in early 2018 and has over 20 years’ experience in accounting, payroll, and general administration. Kaye has also spent many years in the hospitality and tourism industry and is passionate about Hawke's Bay and what it has to offer both visitors and local residents. She is passionate about local people and business and enjoys assisting new customers, building relationships, and helping customers.
GET IN TOUCH
Air Napier, Hawke's Bay Airport, Napier 4110, New Zealand
06 835 6182