Captain Beverly Pakii, Air Niugini’s female pilot continues to make history, this time by becoming the first Papua New Guinean to be certified as an Airbus A220 Captain. She achieved this milestone after successfully completing her type rating with distinction in Montreal, Canada on Monday 18th November. Captain Pakii is among three Air Niugini pilots who started on the Initial A220 Pilot training in Canada as part of the aircraft’s Entry Into Service (EIS). Air Niugini will welcome its first brand new A220 aircraft in September next year, coinciding with Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence anniversary celebrations. Captain Pakii is a trailblazer, whose continuous historical achievements are exciting news not only for Air Niugini but the country and the region. Air Niugini Board Chairman, Mr. Karl Yalo congratulated Captain Pakii for a stellar achievement. “The Board of Directors are very proud of Captain Pakii on this achievement.” One of the two female Board Directors, Lady Aivu Tauvasa in congratulating Captain Pakii said, “Captain Pakii brings pride to our women and Papua New Guinea.” Director, Dame Monica Salter, echoed with similar sentiments,” Congratulations Captain Pakii, you have made Air Niugini and the women of Papua New Guinea very proud.” Captain Pakii is also PNG’s first female jet captain and Dash 8 captain, progressing through Air Niugini’s pilot cadet program. She is also the first Air Niugini female captain to command an all-female crew on Dash 8 earlier on during her career. Captain Pakii is still in Canada with the other pilots, who are part of the Air Niugini project team for the A220 and will work closely with other departments within the organization for a smooth introduction for the A220. The team is led by Air Niugini’s Executive Manager, Flight Training and Standards, Captain Timothy (Tico) Narara whose is responsible for inducting Air Niugini pilots into the A220 flight team. A proud Captain Narara was the first to congratulate Captain Pakii after her check yesterday. He said, “The 4-week course in Montreal is an Airbus course and as such has strict prerequisites and conditions. It comprises of 5 days of ground school, 5 Fixed training device (FTD) sessions and 8 Full Flight Simulator (FFS) sessions, which includes the check ride. “Captain Pakii passed her check with distinction on Monday the 18th of November, making her the first Papua New Guinean to receive a type rating on the A220,” he said. Air Niugini Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Gary Seddon, also congratulated Captain Pakii and the Air Niugini team in Canada. “This is a wonderful day for Air Niugini and for aviation in Papua New Guinea. This is testament to the work that is going on behind the scenes and around the clock, to bring these new aircraft to the people of PNG.” Under Air Niugini’s re-fleeting program, the airline is acquiring 11 brand new Airbus A220 regional jets. The A220s are recognised for their versatility, operating efficiency, and passenger comfort. The A220 is capable of operating across PNG and will replace all current Fokker operations as well as undertake several international sectors.