Captain Beverley Pakii has soared into history as Papua New Guinea's first Airbus A220 captain, achieving a monumental milestone in the nation’s aviation industry. With distinction, Pakii successfully completed her type rating in Montreal, Canada, becoming the first Papua New Guinean certified to pilot the new Airbus A220 aircraft.
Pakii’s achievement is not just a personal triumph but a source of inspiration for Papua New Guinea, particularly for women aspiring to break barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields. She is among three Air Niugini pilots undergoing initial A220 training, which is part of the airline’s preparations to introduce the aircraft into its fleet next year. This momentous event will coincide with the nation’s 50th Independence anniversary, adding a layer of pride to an already significant milestone.
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| Flying High: PNG’s First Airbus A220 Captain Beverley Pakii Makes History |
Congratulatory messages have poured in from Air Niugini’s leadership. Board Chairman Karl Yalo expressed immense pride, saying, “The board of directors are very proud of Captain Pakii on this achievement.” Lady Aivu Tauvasa, one of two female directors, lauded Pakii for bringing pride to Papua New Guinean women, sentiments echoed by fellow director Dame Monica Salter, who added, “You have made Air Niugini and the women of Papua New Guinea very proud.”
Captain Timothy Narara, Air Niugini’s executive manager for flight training and standards, led the team overseeing the training program and praised Pakii for her exceptional performance. He described the rigorous training, which included ground school, simulator sessions, and a final check ride, all of which Pakii aced with distinction. “Captain Pakii’s achievement is a testament to her dedication and skill,” Narara remarked.
Pakii’s success reflects broader efforts by Air Niugini to advance its operations through its re-fleeting program, acquiring 11 brand-new Airbus A220 aircraft. Chief Executive Officer Gary Seddon emphasized the significance of this accomplishment, stating, “This is a wonderful day for Air Niugini and for aviation in Papua New Guinea. It showcases the dedication and hard work happening behind the scenes to bring these new aircraft to the people of PNG.”
Captain Pakii remains in Canada, collaborating with her team to ensure the smooth integration of the A220 into Air Niugini’s fleet. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder that with hard work and determination, the skies are not the limit but just the beginning for Papua New Guinea’s trailblazers.
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