Whanganui's new flight school landed

Classes have commenced for Whanganui's new flight school. Photo/ supplied

It's official - Whanganui's new flight school has landed.

Early Tuesday morning a blessing by local iwi was to welcome 40 students, 12 instructors and 10 planes to the newly built complex at Whanganui Airport.

New Zealand International Commercial Pilot Academy's (NZICA) made moves to shift from Fielding to Whanganui after it was bought by the Whanganui District Council Holdings (WDCH) in September 2015.

By January this year developments to build a "modern purpose built complex" began and eight months later the training facilities, classrooms, offices and a large carpark have been completed.

NZICPA chief executive, Phillip Bedford, said the site was now up and running and all classes commenced on Monday morning.

"We are really pleased to have a modern purpose built complex and the team are really enjoying using it for what it was designed for."

Mr Bedford said it was an opportunity to take the next step to become New Zealand's leading flight school.

"It will open up new opportunities for us in the international market as we seek to establish pilot connect programmes with international airlines," he said.

The blessing was due to be given at 7am Tuesday morning led by iwi representative John Maihi.

A breakfast followed for Whanganui councillors, WDCH representatives, lead contractors, Whanganui iwi and the flight school team.

WDCH bought the school for $800,000 and it was estimated to add $4.5 million a year to the district's economy.