Phillip Mehrtens, 38, was working for Indonesian airline Susi Air when he was snatched by rebels from the West Papua National Liberation Army insurgent group at Papua's Nduga airport on February 7 last year.
A day after his release was announced, Mr Mehrtens's family issued a statement thanking all those involved in his liberation, including the Indonesian government, police and military, and the New Zealand authorities.
"We are extremely grateful and relieved that Phillip has been released and will soon be reunited with us," they said.
"The last 19 and a half months have been very difficult for all of us, and we give our heartfelt thanks to our friends, family and community for their love and kindness during this time.
"There were so many people involved in the effort to find and release Phil, and we are grateful to each and every one of them for the parts they played in helping with Phil's safe return."
They also expressed thanks to Ekianus Kogoya, a military commander in the Papua rebel group, and his fighters for "keeping Phil as safe and healthy as their means allowed, and for allowing Phil to get several messages out during this period to let us know that he was alive and okay".
During his captivity in the Papuan countryside, the New Zealander made sporadic appearances on video to address his family and his government.
The armed group sought to use him as a bargaining chip to secure talks with international bodies on independence for Papua.
The rebels said he was in good health throughout, but his appearance changed drastically over time, with the pilot becoming gaunt, long-haired and bearded in proof-of-life videos.
Mr Mehrtens appeared in good physical condition in handout images published by Indonesian authorities on Saturday.
Article by ABC News
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