MEDIA RELEASE - PAPUA NEW GUINEA’S FIRST AIRBUS A220 CAPTAIN

Air Niugini’s Captain Beverley Pakii continues to record milestones in the aviation industry, this time becoming the first Papua New Guinean Airbus A220 Captain after successfully completing her type rating with distinction in Montreal, Canada yesterday (18th November 2024). In fact, Captain Pakii is the first Papua New Guinean pilot to be certified onto the new aircraft. 

Captain Pakii is among three Air Niugini pilots who started on the Initial A220 Pilot training in Canada as part of the aircraft’s Entry Into Service(EIS). Air Niugini will welcome its first brand new A220 aircraft in September next year, coinciding with Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence anniversary celebrations.

Captain Pakii is a trailblazer, whose continuous historical achievements are exciting news not only for Air Niugini but the country and the region. 

Air Niugini Board Chairman, Mr Karl Yalo congratulated Captain Pakii for a stellar achievement. “The Board of Directors are very proud of Captain Pakii on this achievement.”  

One of the two female Board Directors, Lady Aivu Tauvasa in congratulating Captain Pakii said “Captain Pakii brings pride to our women and Papua New Guinea.” 

Director Dame Monica Salter echoed similar sentiments” Congratulations Captain Pakii, you have made Air Niugini and the women of Papua New Guinea very proud.”

Captain Pakii is also Papua New Guinea’s first female jet captain and Dash 8 captain, progressing through Air Niugini’s pilot cadet program. She is also the first Air Niugini female captain to command an all-female crew on Dash 8 earlier on during her career.

Captain Pakii is still in Canada with the other pilots , who are part of the Air Niugini project team for the A220 and will work closely with other departments within the organization for a smooth introduction for the A220.

The team is led by Air Niugini’s Executive Manager, Flight Training and Standards, Captain Timothy (Tico) Narara whose is responsible for inducting Air Niugini pilots into the A220 flight team. A proud Captain Narara was the first to congratulate Captain Pakii after her check yesterday.

He said “The 4-week course in Montreal is an Airbus course and as such has strict prerequisites and conditions. It comprises of 5 days of ground school, 5 Fixed training device(FTD) sessions and 8 Full Flight Simulator(FFS) sessions, which includes the check ride. "

“Captain Pakii passed her check with distinction on Monday the 18th of November, making her the first Papua New Guinean to receive a type rating on the A220,” he said.

Chief Executive Officer, Gary Seddon, also congratulated Captain Pakii and the Air Niugini team in Canada. “This is a wonderful day for Air Niugini and for aviation in Papua New Guinea. This is testament to the work that is going on behind the scenes and around the clock, to bring these new aircraft to the people of PNG.”

Under Air Niugini’s re-fleeting program, the airline is acquiring 11 brand new Airbus A220 regional jets. The A220s are recognized for their versatility, operating efficiency, and passenger comfort. The A220 is capable of operating across PNG and will replace all current Fokker operations as well as undertake several international sectors.

Ends…// 

Corporate Communications Department 

Tuesday 19th November 2024

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PUBLIC NOTICE - BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE ON DOMESTIC SECTOR

Air Niugini wishes to remind our valued customers about the airline’s standard baggage allowance for travel on domestic flights as we approach the festive season. 

Please be reminded that the free baggage allowance for domestic flights is 16kg/person. Any weight beyond 16kg will be chargeable as excess baggage. 

Customers are reminded that they can pay for their excess baggage in advance and receive a 20% discount. Payments can be made online, or at Air Niugini Sales offices and selected Travel Agents. 

Apart from saving money, paying for your excess baggage in advance will make the check in process smoother and easier at the airport. 

We also wish to remind our valued customers to check-in at least three hours prior to departure to avoid missing flights as there will be long queues at times because of the increased number of travelers during this period.

We wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Air Niugini Limited

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Air Niugini extended support to one of our Melanesian sports group

Air Niugini extended support to one of our Melanesian sports group, the Vanuatu Women’s Beach Volleyball team travel to Manila, Philippines to participate in the 2024 Asian Senior Beach Volleyball Championships underway this week.

The team was given extra baggage allowance and our Paradise lounge access as part of the airline’s support towards our wantoks who are representing our region in the tournament.

They travel back home to Vanuatu next week after the tournament from Hong Kong via Port Moresby on our Bird of Paradise service.

We thank the team for choosing to fly Air Niugini and wish them all the best in their upcoming matches.

Seen here is the team with the coaching staff and our cabin crew on board PX83 flight from Port Vila to Port Moresby via Honiara on the weekend.

Air Niugini operates once a week, every Saturday between Port Moresby and Vanuatu’s capital, Port Vila via Honiara, Solomon Islands. Air Niugini recommenced services to Port Vila on Saturday 3rd of August 2024.

#PX #airniugini #Vanuatu #vanuatubeachvolleyball #melanesia

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