Flight safety.
Above everything else…

When it comes to safety we have a responsibility to our passengers, to their families and communities, to our team, and to our families and communities. Above everything else we always recognise just how important this responsibility is.

This is why our safety processes and flying record is at the forefront of New Zealand’s scenic flight industry.

Air Milford has achieved one of the Civil Aviation Authority’s highest audit ratings for operations and safety and we have a 100% safety record. Our fleet is maintained in-house to a meticulous standard and our pilots have consummate experience and expertise in flying in mountain and coastal terrain.

Your comfort and safety is our priority before, during and after the flight. From the second you step onto the tarmac until the moment you leave we make certain nothing is left to chance. Upholding these non-negotiable standards requires a team-wide effort.

It starts at the top. Air Milford owner Hank Sproull oversees all aircraft maintenance. A fully qualified aircraft mechanic with over four decades of aviation experience, Hank’s unerring approach to passenger safety is entrenched both within the processes and people of Air Milford.

Air Milford passengers disembarking

It’s All About Maintenance

We wouldn’t have it any other way. Booking a trip to Milford Sound or around the South Island should be a time of mounting excitement and — not second-guessing the safety of the journey ahead. With our vast experience and non-negotiable standards you’ll be assured of an incredibly thrilling but inherently safe flight.

Stephen Singleton-Ryan

Flight Coordinator

Originally from Wellington, while finishing high school and figuring out what he wanted to do, Stephen started flying at his local aero club on the Kāpiti Coast. From his first trial flight, a passion for flying quickly developed, setting him on the path to complete his commercial training at Nelson Aviation College.

Before pursuing aviation fulltime, Stephen worked across a range of roles in retail and tourism, building strong people skills and a customer-focused approach. He started his flying career at Air Milford as a Flight Coordinator, joining the team in November 2025.

Drawn to the incredible location and world-class scenery, he enjoys working with guests and hearing their post-flight stories. Outside of work, Stephen loves to stay active and make the most of the outdoors. He’s big into snow sports and motorbikes, and enjoys exploring the region whenever he gets the chance.

Paul Lups

Pilot

After a chance encounter, Paul decided to follow his dream of becoming a pilot in 2009 and obtained his commercial licence in Christchurch before moving to the Outback of Australia flying on a station.

Returning home, he became qualified as a flight instructor and then moved into Air Traffic Control for a little over a decade. Paul successfully trained up many of the Air Traffic Controllers here in Queenstown in what is known as the most difficult control operations in New Zealand.

Outside of flying, Paul has small business experience in Queenstown and has even had a hand in setting up or negotiating commercial ventures in the area. Now, keeping active with his two children easily fill the rest of his time- the hardest job of them all!