Paul Cooper – Chief Pilot
Paul has been flying from Wanaka and Makarora for over 30 years and has been Chief Pilot at Southern Alps Air for 25+ years. Having completed thousands of flights, he still finds himself astonished by the spectacular landscape he fly’s through year round. Paul grew up in Wanaka and has spent much of his life either here or close by ever since. If he’s not flying you’ll probably find him mountain biking one of Wanaka’s many trails or planning his next hunting or fishing trip.
Anne Cooper – CEO
Anne has been involved in Tourism most of her working life and has a great passion for the industry. Herself and Paul have worked together in the aviation sector since Paul gained his commercial pilot licence in the mid 1980’s, raising three gorgeous children along the way. The highlight of Anne’s day is always seeing the delight on clients’ faces and listening to the excited chatter when they return from their scenic adventure. Originally from Southland, Anne grew up on a farm in a family of 6 children. She enjoys hiking, exploring different places, flying (as a passenger, not a pilot), being at home with their animals and spending time with family and friends.
Ryan Cooper – Pilot
Son of Anne & Paul, Ryan was raised in the great outdoors flying with his family to remote places from a very young age. He attended primary school in Makarora before moving to Wanaka for high school. After working in different roles outside aviation he completed his commercial pilot training in Nelson. He started his flying career with Southern Alps Air in 2017. Outside flying he enjoys hunting, fishing, and exploring the outdoors.
