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Air New Zealand vs Qantas Airways
A side-by-side comparison of pilot careers at Air New Zealand (NZ) and Qantas Airways (QF) — covering salary, fleet, requirements, and more.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Air New Zealand
Qantas Airways
Country
New Zealand
Australia
Airline Type
Major Airline
Major Airline
IATA Code
NZ
QF
Regulatory Authority
FAA
FAA
First Officer Salary
NZ$90,000 - NZ$160,000
A$100,000 - A$180,000
Captain Salary
NZ$200,000 - NZ$340,000
A$220,000 - A$380,000
Fleet
Airbus A320/321, Boeing 777/787
Boeing 737/787, Airbus A330/380
Requirements Comparison
Air New Zealand
- CAA NZ ATPL
- 2,500+ hours
- Class 1 medical
- NZ residency preferred
Qantas Airways
- CASA ATPL
- 2,500+ hours total
- 500+ hours on type
- Class 1 medical
- Australian work rights
Pros & Cons
Air New Zealand
Pros
- +Modern fleet with 787 Dreamliner
- +Simplified fleet — fewer type ratings needed
Qantas Airways
Pros
- +Modern fleet with 787 Dreamliner
- +Simplified fleet — fewer type ratings needed
About Each Airline
Air New Zealand
New Zealand's national carrier, repeatedly named the world's best airline. Known for exceptional culture and lifestyle balance.
Full Air New Zealand career guide →Qantas Airways
Australia's flag carrier and one of the world's safest airlines, offering premium routes across the Asia-Pacific and beyond.
Full Qantas Airways career guide →Calculate Your Salary
Model your earning potential at Air New Zealand or Qantas Airways based on your experience, ratings, and career stage.
Salary Calculator