Four young Papua New Guineans, including one female cadet, have embarked on their journey as part of Air Niugini’s second batch of pilot cadets under the airline’s National Pilot Cadet Program. They departed Port Moresby on Saturday, 10th May, to commence their 18-month initial pilot training at Flight Training Adelaide in South Australia. Air Niugini stated that the cadets—Christopher Morea Saisagu, Salmon Ephraim Hans, Daera Konio Reid, and Eruel Toovey Verave—were selected after successfully passing a rigorous and thorough selection process of candidates with no former flight training or experience. The Airline said thousands of applications were received from young men and women across Papua New Guinea and shortlisted candidates underwent an intensive evaluation, including academic assessments, internal aptitude tests, and interviews conducted by both Flight Training Adelaide and Air Niugini to ensure only the top-performing individuals were chosen. During a meeting with the cadets and their parents on Friday, Air Niugini’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Gary Seddon emphasized the airline’s significant investment in their training. He stated that by the time the cadets are fully trained, Air Niugini will have invested one million kina in each of them. Mr. Seddon highlighted the expectations of the highly regulated airline industry, focusing on safety and security, and urged the cadets to remain focused and disciplined. He added that Air Niugini expects nothing less than excellence and professionalism from them. “It may be your lifelong dream to one day work for the national airline. While you have made it this far, it’s the envy of many to be in the seats you occupy today. Therefore, do not take this opportunity lightly. Air Niugini is making this substantial investment to ensure your dreams become a reality. We want you to succeed and return to work with us,” Mr. Seddon remarked. Air Niugini’s Acting Chief Operating Officer, Captain Samiu Taufa, and Manager of Pilot cadets and Dash 8 Captain Joachim Ortlauf, who were once cadets themselves 33 and 15 years ago, respectively, echoed the CEO’s sentiments. They encouraged the four young individuals to stay disciplined and focused throughout their training. Captain Taufa, also General Manager of Flight Operations and Check and Training Captain on the Boeing B767, emphasized that being a pilot is a highly rewarding career. He noted that the cadet program is a pathway to realizing that dream and strongly emphasized the importance of discipline and good habits. “Initially, it’s always exciting; however, there will be challenges and temptations along the way. There may be times when you feel alone but always remember to stay focused and disciplined. If you need support, there are always people here at Air Niugini who will help, guide, and mentor you throughout your training,” Captain Taufa advised. Captain Ortlauf acknowledged that the entire program is challenging but rewarding. He encouraged the cadets to always seek support from Air Niugini whenever they face challenges and require assistance. “We have gone through the same program; the training is hard but not impossible. It’s now up to you to ensure you work hard and stay focused so that you can succeed and return home to continue with Air Niugini. We will be here to support you all the way,” Captain Ortlauf said. The Airline said that upon successful completion of their 18-month training, the cadets will graduate with their Commercial Pilot’s License (CPL) and multi-engine instrument rating, and they will then return to Air Niugini to continue their in-flight training as Cadets. Air Niugini’s cadet pilot program was reintroduced in 2023 by the current CEO after an eight-year hiatus. “There is a global shortage of experienced pilots. Air Niugini is innovating and developing the next generation, future-proofing our long-term requirements,” Mr. Seddon stated. Another group of pilot cadets with qualifications and some experiences are being assembled for the next Air Niugini cadet intake. These are pilot candidates who have previously received their private pilot license and commercial pilot license but have very limited flight experience. Since the inception of the cadet pilot training program, Air Niugini has graduated 84 national pilots 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—and with major airlines around the world.