Seven young Papua New Guineans part of Air Niugini’s National Pilot Cadet Program left the country over the weekend to commence their initial 18 months pilot training at Flight Training Adelaide, in South Australia. Stephen Nialir, Vincent Yandawai, Shirley Ambang, Edward Bare, Emmanuel Kukyuwa, Thaddeus Kobal and Wari Willie were carefully chosen from over 3, 000 young men and women from around PNG who applied, after successfully passing rigorous and thorough selection criteria in Air Niugini’s Pilot Cadet Program in December 2023. Those shortlisted went through an intensive selection process which included academic ability, internal aptitude tests and interviews conducted by both Flight Training Adelaide and Air Niugini to ensure only the top performing candidates were selected. Air Niugini’s Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Gary Seddon while meeting with the seven cadets and their parents to sign contracts last Friday, made it very clear that by the time, the cadets get checked in line, the airline would have invested a million kina on each of them. Mr. Seddon added that Air Niugini expects nothing but excellence and professionalism, urging the young Cadets to stay focused and disciplined. “Your parents are very proud of you. We are proud of you. A lot of time and effort has been spent to get you to where you are today. Do not underestimate the size of the privilege that has been given to you. You are now ambassadors of not only Air Niugini, but Papua New Guinea.” “It may be exciting for you right now, however there will also be challenges, temptations, high points and lows. Therefore, be focused, use your best judgement and embrace the opportunities provided to you. If you need support, there are always people here at Air Niugini who will help, guide and mentor you throughout your training. “Mr Seddon said A cadet himself 32 years ago, General Manager, Flight Operations and Training Captain on the Boeing 767 aircraft, Captain Samiu Taufa said being a pilot is an incredibly rewarding career and the cadet program is a pathway to making that dream become a reality. He echoed similar sentiments to the acting CEO, giving his own experience, emphasising the importance of discipline and good habits. “You have been chosen to commence a very rewarding but difficult program, in a highly regulated industry with primary focus on safety and security. You have passed the entrance exams. Now the work begins. Starting off with good, sober habits and discipline will take you a long way. The training is difficult, but not impossible. Do not waste this opportunity,” Captain Taufa said. The cadets will graduate with their Commercial Pilots Licence (CPL) and multi-engine instrument rating following the effective completion of their 18 months training. They will later return to Air Niugini and continue their inflight training as Cadets. After an eight-year break in the program, Air Niugini’s cadet pilot program was reintroduced last year (2023) by the Acting CEO. “There is a global shortage of experienced pilots. Air Niugini is innovating and developing the next generation, future proofing our longer-term requirements.” Air Niugini has graduated 84 national pilots since the inception of the cadet pilot training program, who now serve in the flight crew of all Air Niugini’s aircraft from Dash 8s to Q400, Fokker 70, F100, Boeing 737 and the B767 aircraft, and major airlines around the world.