University to offer New Zealand's first international aviation law course

One New Zealand university has announced it will be providing the country's first international aviation law course from next month

Auckland Law School has announced it will be offering a new course in international aviation law from next month.

The course is not offered at any other New Zealand universities and few overseas universities offer the subject in any depth.

Sponsored by Air New Zealand, the course will be taught by a Master’s graduate of McGill University’s Institute of Air and Space Law in Montreal – the leading university in international aviation law. It will be supported by Air New Zealand’s corporate legal team with content and guest lectures.

Dean Andrew Stockley says a career in aviation law offers a wide range of interesting and challenging roles in a subject that transcends national boundaries.

“Aviation law affects not just airlines but also airports, air-freight, manufacturing, finance, insurance, regulatory functions and many other industries,” he says.

Air New Zealand’s general counsel, John Blair, says Asia is now the fastest growing global aviation market.

 “Aviation has been a catalyst for change in international social behaviours and global commerce,” he says. “As a key piece of international transport infrastructure and one of the world’s more complex and dynamic industries, aviation also attracts substantial government and private interest.

“This makes aviation law a great area of legal study, particularly for students aspiring to a highly rewarding international career.”

Dean Stockley says he hopes the new field of study will also add to the University of Auckland’s attraction as a location for international students.

“This course offers students an opportunity to develop life-long personal connections in the aviation industry.”

An added bonus is an Air New Zealand subject prize package for the best two students in the course, who will each receive two return economy airfares to any of the airline’s destinations in New Zealand, Australia or the Pacific Islands.