Captain David Morgan, one of Air New Zealand’s most recognized figures, was honoured with an appointment to the Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the King’s Birthday Honours.
Morgan (pictured) has been with the airline for four decades and was recognised for his contributions to aviation safety, leadership, and mentoring. He’s been a calm presence during that time of the transformation of NZ as an airline and technological revolution in the cockpit. He’s been in top roles when NZ and the airline industry have faced some of their biggest challenges. Morgan is also one of the airline’s great communicators—patiently explaining often complex concepts to any audience with unrelenting enthusiasm.
. . . Lifetime Service
He was in his early 20s when he knew he wanted to be a pilot at NZ and has said that he didn’t want to be on the line but have the top job. He wrote himself a letter saying he’d like to be chief pilot and that’s what he achieved. Morgan began with NZ in 1985, first flying Friendships, and becoming the chief pilot in 2003. He has flown all the airline’s Boeing aircraft types. In 2005, he joined the executive where he remained until earlier this year to retrain and start flying the airline’s Airbus 320 fleet and domestic flying will take him more often to his happy place, a spot at Lake Hawea. He once described his hairiestmoment as being a bird strike while taking off at Invercargill Airport and rated the Dreamliner, with its range of tech to help pilots, as his favourite plane. Chair of IATA’s operations advisory council, along with contributions to ICAO, Morgan has elevated NZ’s standing on the world stage.
. . . Accolades
NZ ceo Greg Foran says Morgan’s influence is deeply embedded into the airline’s DNA. “When people think of Air New Zealand, many will think of Captain David Morgan. His leadership has helped define who we are today—an airline built on safety, professionalism, and a strong purpose.’’ Morgan had played an ‘extraordinary role’ shaping a culture of safety, integrity, and professionalism, adds Foran. NZ chair Dame Therese Walsh says his influence spans every corner of aviation, from safety and sustainability to mentoring the next generation of leaders. “This honour not only reflects not just his deep expertise, but also the generosity with which he gives his time to others.’’
