Air Niugini has so far trained and employed 80 national pilots in its pilot cadet programme.
Air Niugini chairman Sir Frederick Reiher in his speech during the naming ceremony of its fourth Fokker 70 aircraft "Alotau" said the company will continue to implement the programme and help young Papua New Guineans achieved their dreams through the programme.
"Since the first pilot cadet program in 1988 Air Niugini has fully funded the training of 80 national pilots – men and women who today serve as flight crew in all our aircraft, from Dash-8s to Boeing 767s. Our fully trained crew now include five young women pilots."
Sir Frederick said the company's massive investment in pilot training means that more than half of the 197 pilots Air Niugini employ today are Papua New Guineans.
"This is a proud record, and one we will continue to build on in the future."
The recent inclusion of the F70 aircraft brings the total to four, with a fifth to join the fleet next month.
There will be a further two and possibly four additions to the fleet over the next 18 months – bringing the total in the Fokker fleet (F70 and F100) to 15 aircrafts.
Picture courtesy of Dominic Kaumu