Trainee pilots in Tauranga have the opportunity to fly a new $700,000 plane that is only the second one of its kind in New Zealand.

The new generation Tecnam P2006T is a cost effective twin engine aircraft purchased by Bay Flight International.

See video below of Phill Hooker talking about the new Tecnam P2006T and footage of it flying.

There is only one other Tecnam P2006T in New Zealand, but is in private ownership.

Bay Flight International officially launched the aircraft today with the help of Tauranga MP Simon Bridges.

The school's chief flying instructor, Phill Hooker, says the aircraft is in big demand around the world.

It replaces a 40 year old plane, which used double the amount of fuel the new aircraft consumes.

The Tecnam P2006T uses 40 litres of fuel per hour compared to 80 litres in the old plane.

Phill says maintenance costs are also reduced by 90 per cent.