Southern Alps Air is a truly local, family owned business which places our clients at the heart of our operations.
Every member of our team cares passionately about providing the best possible scenic flight experiences. We love what we do!
Paul Cooper – Owner & CEO
Paul is the owner of Southern Alps Air and has been flying from Wanaka and Makarora for over 35 years. He was also the Chief Pilot for 30+ years, recently handing over the title to son Ryan.
Despite having completed thousands of flights, he still finds himself astonished by the spectacular landscape he flies 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 on one of Wanaka’s many trails or planning his next hunting or fishing trip.
Paul’s favourite flight is the Aoraki / Mt.Cook Scenic.
“The booking staff and pilot were friendly and helpful, the flight was smooth with breath taking scenery. Excellent commentary from our experienced and knowledgable pilot Paul”
~ TA, 2014
Anne Cooper – Owner & Front Office
Anne is also an owner at Southern Alps Air and has been involved in tourism most of her working life. Anne and Paul have worked together in the aviation sector and she has a great passion for the industry. Together they have also raised three gorgeous children along the way, 2 of whom are also Southern Alps Air pilots.
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.
Anne loves the Mt. Aspiring flight as it is little known but really spectacular.
“For our 39th wedding anniversary we wanted to do something adventurous and special but my wife is recently in a wheelchair. Her dream was to fly over the Southern Alps out of Wanaka. Not only did the crew make this happen but they also managed getting her on the Milford sound cruise boat. It is a day we will always remember and will always be so grateful to the kind people at Southern Alps Air “
~ Trip Advisor 2025
Ryan Cooper – Chief Pilot
Ryan is the son of Anne and Paul and was raised in the great outdoors. From a very young age he remembers flying with his family to remote places. He attended primary school in rural 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 and is now the company Chief Pilot. Outside flying he enjoys hunting, fishing, and exploring the outdoors.
Ryan’s favourite flight is flying into Jumboland which is at the head of the Wilkin Valley.
“Fabulous flight with Ryan. He was awesome. Pointed out all the possible points of interest, warned of any turbulence and looked after us brilliantly.”
~ TA 2023
Hamish – Safety Manager & Pilot
Hamish grew up in Auckland and as a child would fly around the North Island with his father who was a pilot. He always knew he wanted to fly and had his first lesson at 17 years old.
After obtaining his license he flew for a NZ whitebaiting company and then joined Southern Alps Air as a scenic flight pilot. Hamish is also the company Safety Manager. He lives in Wanaka with his partner and his favourite flight is the iconic Siberia Experience.
“What really made the experience was the flight over and back with our amazing pilot Hamish. His skill, and the knowledge he shared throughout the flight were amazingly impressive and remain one of the top three most wonderful memories we brought home with us”
~ TA 2023
Scott Cooper – Pilot
Scott is the son of Anne and Paul and is a true born and bred Wanaka local. He first started to fly at 15 years old and is both a fixed wing and helicopter pilot. He spent several years farming and loves flying into remote locations for hunting. He enjoys working alongside the family and having the opportunity to share the spectacular landscape of our region with visitors from across the world.
His favourite flight is Milford Sound and he never gets tired of the scenery!
An incredible journey and an outstanding flight with Scott! We flew with four kids, and he handled the plane with the precision of a high-tech drone. A breathtaking experience soaring over glaciers, untouched mountains, and the gateway to Milford Sound from the air. Wow!
~ Google, 2025
James – Pilot
James grew up in North Canterbury, where his passion for aviation took flight at an early age. He had his first flying lesson at just 12 years old and spent his teenage years sweeping hangars and polishing planes in exchange for more time in the cockpit.
After completing his training in Christchurch, he worked on the high country stations in a conservation role before joining Southern Alps Air as a scenic flight pilot. Outside of flying, he’s an avid climber and mountaineer, finding adventure both in the skies and on the peaks.
James’ favourite flight is the Milford Sound and Glaciers flight, where the dramatic fiords and glaciers perfectly combine his love for aviation and the outdoors.
“Our pilot, James, was brilliant; knowledgeable, professional and a skilled pilot. The flight to Milford Sound from Wanaka and back is just stunning. Highly recommend.“
~ Google, 2025
Pete – Pilot
Pete grew up in Wellington, where his passion for aviation began. He completed his commercial pilot studies, whilst working in the outdoor education field with youth and guiding in the tourism industry.
When Pete’s not flying, he’s out spending time in the outdoors and exploring the places he sees from the air.
Pete’s favourite flight is the Milford Sound Fly, Cruise, Fly due to its variation in terrain we get to see on either side of the Southern Alps in such a short space of time. He thinks he has the best job out there!
“What an incredible experience with Pete, Scott and the rest of the Southern Alps Air team. We absolutely loved our visit to Milford Sound from Wanaka. The team was professional, had amazing knowledge of the area and a great sense of humour. We will definitely be recommending this to any friends or family visiting Wanaka in future. Thank you Southern Alps Air team!”
~ Trip Advisor, Dec 2025
Jonno – Pilot
Jonno grew up in northern Wairarapa on a sheep and beef farm. His passion for aviation began at a young age, inspired by grandparents on both sides of his family who were pilots. After finishing high school, he headed to Australia to drive tractors and save for his pilot’s licence, which he later completed in Motueka, Nelson. Outside of flying, Jonno enjoys spending time outdoors and playing golf.
Jonno’s favourite flight is the Milford Sound Fly–Cruise–Fly, a journey he never tires of. The dramatic landscapes of the Southern Alps and the sheer beauty of Milford Sound make every trip feel unique.
