The aviation industry says it is frustrated that mandatory drug and alcohol testing in safety sensitive aviation workplaces has not yet been introduced.
"We accept that education is an integral part of enhancing safety but we can only do so much. Without the ability to test all working in safety sensitive roles, it can be difficult to detect the presence of these substances - for this reason alone regulation is essential," said Irene King, chief executive of Aviation New Zealand.
"We advocate testing of all involved in safety sensitive roles - this includes the many owner operators, contractors, their executives and staff, irrespective of whether they are directly involved in day-to-day operations".
Mandatory random alcohol and drug testing provided transparent assurance to the public that all sectors of aviation operated at the same zero tolerance level.
The travelling public, including New Zealand's valuable tourism industry, had the right to expect that exemplary safety standards would be delivered and there would be accountability, Ms King said.
