AIR Pacific says it will continue to recruit pilots to fill the vacuum created by the departing expatriates whose contracts have expired.
Airline CEO John Campbell said the national carrier needed a significant number of pilots over the next five years as the company prepared for the introduction of the 787 aircraft.
"Air Pacific consistently recruits local pilots. This recruitment process continues," Mr Campbell said.
"We are able to take around eight trainee pilots a year and progress them after training onto B767 or B747 aircraft as second officers.
"We in turn progress experienced second officers to first officer positions."
Mr Campbell said given the requirements and training capacity the airline could take in about eight trainee pilots in any one year.
"We also recruit from our sister company, Pacific Sun, and typically take their experienced ATR42 pilots into Air Pacific as B737 first officers, after appropriate training and experience," he said.
"This forms another entry path for pilots into jet operations.
"I believe comments in respect of discipline in pilots were relating to a relaxed attitude towards growing, time keeping and sick leave rather than flying skills and professional discipline.
"It was a matter that has caused concern in the past but shows a significant improvement at the moment."
