The Civil Aviation Safety Authority is not receiving proper financial support from the government and as a result it fails from carrying out its regulatory obligations
This is the message from Civil Aviation Minister Davis Steven to the government in a statement on Civil Aviation delivered to parliament.
He says PNG will be blacklisted by other countries and airlines based on audit reports by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
The ICAO found in their audit report in 2013 that man power remains a constant issue for PNG CASA.
Recruitment and retention of qualified and experienced technical expertise is an ongoing challenge.
Stevens says CASA is meeting this challenge by vigorously recruiting younger officers under its Graduate Scheme Program and is also conducting internal training.
He says the government must recognize the specific technical expertise that is needed and compensate them accordingly.
“This is particularly for PNG National pilots and engineers who take up job offers with CASA possessing the same qualifications as their expatriate counterparts,” Steven told parliament.
Also lacking funding is a program called the Civil Aviation Development Investment Program (CADIP).
The program intends to establish aviation networks and support agencies improve compliance with ICAO safety and security standards.
Stevens says this program cannot be implemented as K11 million funding from the government is yet to be received.
He says the delay in releasing funds is affecting capacity and capability within CASA.
“There has been no training activity to commence neither up-skilling nor training for existing and new staff."
He says safety standards are at the risk of dropping below global average if financial support is not given immediately.