Four aspiring pilots from Papua New Guinea, including one female, have begun their training as part of the second intake under Air Niugini’s National Pilot Cadet Program. The group left Port Moresby on Saturday, May 10, heading to Flight Training Adelaide in South Australia for 18 months of intensive pilot instruction.
The selected cadets—Christopher Morea Saisagu, Salmon Ephraim Hans, Daera Konio Reid, and Eruel Toovey Verave—were chosen following a highly competitive selection process. Thousands of applications were received nationwide, and the final candidates were shortlisted based on academic performance, aptitude assessments, and interviews coordinated by both Air Niugini and the training institution. None of the chosen cadets had previous flying experience.
During a briefing with the cadets and their families, Air Niugini’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Gary Seddon, highlighted the airline’s substantial investment in its future pilots. He stated that Air Niugini is investing up to K1 million per cadet, underlining the airline’s commitment to maintaining high standards in the aviation industry. Mr. Seddon urged the cadets to uphold professionalism and discipline throughout their training.
Supporting remarks were also made by Captain Samiu Taufa, Acting Chief Operating Officer and General Manager of Flight Operations, and Captain Joachim Ortlauf, Manager of Pilot Cadets. Both officers, who once trained as cadets themselves, encouraged the trainees to remain focused despite challenges. Captain Taufa emphasized the importance of cultivating good habits early on, while Captain Ortlauf reminded the group that support would always be available from the airline.
Upon completion of the program, the cadets are expected to earn their Commercial Pilot Licence and a multi-engine instrument rating. They will then return to Papua New Guinea to commence in-flight training with Air Niugini. The airline relaunched its cadet pilot initiative in 2023 after an eight-year break to address the global shortage of experienced pilots.
Meanwhile, Air Niugini is preparing another cadet intake, this time targeting individuals who already hold basic pilot licenses but have limited flying hours. To date, the program has produced 84 qualified national pilots, many of whom are currently flying with Air Niugini and other international carriers.
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