Mr. Jackson Kiakari was sworn in today as the newly appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors for Niusky Pacific Limited, at the Head Quarters in Port Moresby.
NSPL’s Executive Manager – Business Support, Nr. Paul Dopsie welcomed the incoming Chairman Mr. Kiakari, Deputy Chairman Mr. Kaime Kipi and the Ex-officio Directors of the new Board, Mr. Nelson Huekwahin and Ms. Jacinta Waine.
In congratulating and welcoming the new board members on their appointment, Mr. Dopsie reminded them that today is a celebration of a legacy, a legacy of excellence, resilience, modernization and unwavering commitment to the safety of Papua New Guinea’s skies and the government we serve.
He emphasized that, with their appointment, they must stand ready to inherit a company with solid foundations, a clear strategy, and a commitment team ready to support their leadership to carry their work forward.
While acknowledging the achievements of the former Chairman and the Board, he also announced the resignation of the outgoing Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Graham Edward Blythe, who tendered his resignation, a week ago.
It was through the efforts of the outgoing Chairman, Mr. Robin Kawat and the former Board and their steady leadership, that has helped Niusky Pacific Limited navigate one of the most demanding periods in its history and has emerged stronger.
“As we welcome the new Board, it is fitting that we pause not to mark an ending, but to celebrate a legacy, a legacy of excellence, resilience, modernization and unwavering commitment to the safety of Papua New Guinea’s skies and the government we serve,” said Mr. Dopsie.
Mr. Dopsie proudly revealed that Niusky Pacific Limited is not simply a National Institute, but also, a regionally respected Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP), and is also regarded topday as one of the finest ANSP’s in the Asia Pacific region.
“That recognition has not come easily, and not by accident. It has been earned through years of strategic investments, rigorous safety standards, technological innovations, and the tireless dedication of all our staff. We stand tall alongside our regional counter parts, and we do so with confidence and pride,” said Mr. Dopsie.
While on air safety, he highlighted Safety as their first and non-negotiable priority. It was revealed that the loss of separation events fell from eight in 2024 to a single event across the whole of 2025, lifting safety risk rating to its best level in years.
Financially, the outgoing CEO and the senior management team secured AUD 22.5 million in development funding under the Transport Sector Support Program, opening a new phase of infrastructure renewal and for the first time secured Government funding through PIP program, with K8 million in 2025 budget and K6 million in 2026 budget appropriations, which K2 million has already been given by the Government to date.
Minister for Aviation – Wake Goi was also present to witness the swearing in ceremony, together with representatives from ADB (Asian-Development-Bank), other Development Partners and stakeholders.
Speaking at the occasion, Minister Goi challenged the staff and Management of Niusky Pacific Limited to give their un-dividing support to the newly appointed chairman and the board members for the common purpose of their mandated responsibilities as an Air Navigation Service Provider for Papua New Guinea.
While he also expressed his disappointment and frustration on the exit of the outgoing CEO, Mr. Blythe and the alleged circumstances surrounding his resignation. Minister Goi urged the Senior Management Team and the staff of NSPL to stop creating disharmony in the organization and focus on working together as a team, because they still have a lot of work to be done and major projects to be completed.
Goi said, with the appointment and swearing in of the new Board, he will ensure that a new acting MD/CEO is appointed by next week, so that, they can continue with infrastructure renewal phase for airports and airstrips around the country in alignment with the governments connect PNG program, to connect to the unconnected through partnerships and collaborations with stakeholders and development partners.
In his Maiden speech as the new Board Chairman, Mr. Kiakari made a challenging statement by asking the management and staff of NSPL, “We need to be asking this question. Why are we here, and why are we doing this?”
Mr. Kiakari vowed to do his best in his tenure as the board chairman and urged everyone from NSPL for their support.
He said, he will be looking closely into the management and administration side of things to see where we are so they can build on it.
However, Kiakari’s focus, first and foremost, is to ensure the right and correct practices are carried out to ensure the non-negotiable priority of Airspace Safety is paramount and maintained.
