Page 17 - IB May 2025

Capt. Beverley Pakii in the flight
deck of an Airbus A220 flight
simulator.

Papua New Guinea’s first Airbus A220 captain

Air Niugini’s Captain Beverley Pakii continues to record milestones Captain Pakii together with the other pilots are part of the Air
in the aviation industry, this time becoming the first Papua New Niugini Project team for the A220 and work closely with other
Guinean Airbus A220 Captain after successfully completing her departments within the airline to ensure a smooth introduction of
type rating with distinction in Montreal, Canada, on 18 November the A220.
2024. In fact, Captain Pakii is the first Papua New Guinean pilot to The team is led by Air Niugini’s Executive Manager, Flight Training
be certified onto the new aircraft. and Standards, Captain Timothy (Tico) Narara who is responsible
Captain Pakii was among three Air Niugini pilots who started on for inducting Air Niugini pilots into the A220 flight team. A proud
the Initial A220 Pilot training in Canada as part of the aircraft’s Entry Captain Narara was the first to congratulate Captain Pakii after her
Into Service (EIS). Air Niugini will welcome its first brand-new A220 check.
aircraft in September this year, coinciding with Papua New Guinea’s He said, “The 4-week course in Montreal was an Airbus course
50th Independence anniversary celebrations. and as such had strict prerequisites and conditions. It comprised 5
Captain Pakii is a trailblazer whose continuous historical days of ground school, 5 Fixed Training Device (FTD) sessions and 8
achievements are exciting news not only for Air Niugini but also for Full Flight Simulator (FFS) sessions, which included the check ride.
the country and the region. “Captain Pakii passed her check with distinction on Monday, the
Air Niugini Board Chairman, Mr Karl Yalo congratulated Captain 18th of November [2024], making her the first Papua New Guinean
Pakii for a stellar achievement. “The Board of Directors are very to receive a type rating on the A220,” he said.
proud of Captain Pakii on this achievement.” Chief Executive Officer Gary Seddon also congratulated Captain
One of the two female Board Directors, Lady Aivu Tauvasa in Pakii and the Air Niugini team. “This is a wonderful day for Air Niugini
congratulating Captain Pakii said, “Captain Pakii brings pride to our and for aviation in Papua New Guinea. This is testament to the work
women and Papua New Guinea.” that is going on behind the scenes and around the clock, to bring
Director Dame Monica Salter echoed with similar sentiments. these new aircraft to the people of PNG.”
“Congratulations Captain Pakii, you have made Air Niugini and the Under Air Niugini’s re-fleeting program, the airline is acquiring 11
women of Papua New Guinea very proud.” brand-new Airbus A220 regional jets. The A220s are recognised
Captain Pakii is also Papua New Guinea’s first female jet captain for their versatility, operating efficiency, and passenger comfort.
and Dash 8 captain, progressing through Air Niugini’s pilot cadet The A220 is capable of operating across PNG and will replace all
program. She is also the first Air Niugini female captain to command current Fokker operations, as well as undertake several international
an all-female crew on Dash 8 earlier on during her career. sectors.
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