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, on 18 November 2024. In fact, Captain Pakii is the first Papua New Guinean pilot to be certified onto the new aircraft.
Captain Pakii was 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 this 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 also for 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 with 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 in her career.
Captain Pakii, together with the other pilots, is part of the Air Niugini project team for the A220 and works closely with other departments within the airline to ensure a smooth introduction of the A220.
The team is led by Air Niugini’s Executive Manager, Flight Training and Standards, Captain Timothy (Tico) Narara, who 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.
He said, “The 4-week course in Montreal was an Airbus course and as such had strict prerequisites and conditions. It comprised 5 days of ground school, 5 Fixed Training Device (FTD) sessions, and 8 Full Flight Simulator (FFS) sessions, which included the check ride.
Captain Pakii passed her check with distinction on Monday, the 18th of November [2024], 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. “This is a wonderful day for Air Niugini and for aviation in Papua New Guinea. This is a 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.