Air New Zealand has announced nearly 300 job cuts in engineering and maintenance segment. The airline had earlier said that it will take a long time for recovery and it will all depend on how much time tourists will take to return to different destinations covered by Air NZ. Aviation sector is among the worst hit sectors due to coronavirus pandemic.

Earlier, the management had announced 300 positions for pilots. The airline also announced 30 percent pay cut for remaining 900 pilots. Many airlines across Europe have asked for government help to deal with the major trouble caused by coronavirus to aviation sector.

E tū negotiation specialist Paul Graham, "Sending work offshore where labour standards are lower was never the responsible move. They do not want to discuss the alternatives and are ignoring the insights and abilities of experienced engineers. It breaks their commitment to proper engagement with their workforce."

An Air New Zealand spokeswoman said there were no plans to bring engineering work - which was sent offshore in June 2015 - back to New Zealand.