8:13 pm on 14 October 2025 Share this
Susan Edmunds, Money Correspondent
Captain Garth McGearty had reached the most senior rank, captain of the Boeing 777, when the matter of his age become an issue. (File photo) Photo: 123rf
A pilot who claimed Air New Zealand discriminated against him because of his age has succeeded in a personal grievance claim against the airline.
Captain Garth McGearty took the claim against Air New Zealand to the Employment Court, after he was turned down by the Employment Relations Authority, alleging unjustified disadvantage and unlawful discrimination because of age.
The NZ Airline Pilots Association (NZALPA) was also involved because the issues for determination involved interpretation of the union’s collective agreement.
McGearty had reached the most senior rank, as captain of the Boeing 777.
He turned 65 in July 2017.
When pilots reach that age, their options for international commercial flying are restricted by international law. They are not restricted in the same way in New Zealand.
The International Civil Aviation Organisation standard applies a “limitation of privileges of pilots who have attained their 60th birthday and curtailment of privileges of pilots who have attained their 65th birthday”.
The Employment Court noted this had caused problems under New Zealand law, which prohibits age discrimination.
TO READ FULL STORY CLICK HERE: Air NZ pilot wins age discrimination case | RNZ Newshttps://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/575898/air-nz-pilot-wins-age-discrimination-case