Hawke's Bay could cash in on the estimated shortfall of pilots over the next two decades by setting itself up as the centre of excellence for aviation in New Zealand.
Air Hawke's Bay, Hawke's Bay Airport Limited and Business Hawke's Bay are working with the Hastings District Council to take advantage of the emerging opportunities for economic development over our skies.
They believe Hawke's Bay is in a good position to fulfil the forecast demand for pilots and technicians.
Their plan to expand aviation business will be outlined by the council's economic and social development manager, Steve Breen, to the council's Maori committee meeting in Hastings today.
Mr Breen's report said the world's airlines will need another 466,650 trained pilots and 596,500 maintenance staff over the next 20 years.