Air Niugini has marked a significant achievement through Captain Beverley Pakii, who recently became the first Papua New Guinean to be certified as an Airbus A220 Captain. She completed her type rating with distinction in Montreal, Canada, on November 18, 2024. This milestone not only highlights Captain Pakii’s remarkable skills but also establishes her as the first Papua New Guinean pilot to be qualified on this new aircraft model.
Captain Pakii was one of three Air Niugini pilots who commenced Initial A220 Pilot training in Canada as part of the airline’s preparation for the aircraft’s Entry Into Service (EIS). The first brand-new Airbus A220 aircraft is set to arrive in September 2025, coinciding with the celebration of Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence anniversary.
The achievements of Captain Pakii are a source of pride for both her airline and her country. Air Niugini Board Chairman, Mr. Karl Yalo, praised her accomplishment, expressing the board’s pride in her historical achievement. Lady Aivu Tauvasa, a female Board Director, and Director Dame Monica Salter echoed these sentiments, commending Captain Pakii for bringing pride to women in Papua New Guinea.
Captain Pakii’s accomplishments follow her earlier successes, as she is also recognized as Papua New Guinea’s first female jet captain and Dash 8 captain, having progressed through Air Niugini’s pilot cadet program. Notably, earlier in her career, she commanded an all-female crew on the Dash 8, further paving the way for women in aviation in the region.
In her new role as part of the Air Niugini project team for the A220, Captain Pakii collaborates with other departments to ensure the smooth introduction of the A220 into the airline’s fleet. The training program led by Air Niugini’s Executive Manager of Flight Training and Standards, Captain Timothy Narara, included rigorous training under stringent conditions, which Captain Pakii navigated successfully.
Chief Executive Officer Gary Seddon celebrated the milestone, stating that this achievement reinforces the hard work behind the scenes to serve the people of Papua New Guinea better. Under its refleet program, Air Niugini is acquiring a total of 11 new Airbus A220 regional jets, aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and passenger comfort while replacing the outdated Fokker fleet utilized by the airline.
The journey of Air Niugini, marked by milestones like Captain Pakii’s certification and the modernization of its fleet, suggests a promising future for aviation in Papua New Guinea, with potential benefits for both the local community and the wider region.
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