As part of building the capacity of its workforce, NiuSky Pacific Limited (NSPL) is looking at introducing in the very near future a school to train the next generation of air traffic controllers for Papua New Guinea (PNG). NiuSky Pacific Acting Managing Director, Mr. Graham Blythe said this plan is captured in the recently launched 2025- 2027 Corporate Plan for the state-owned entity. Released along with NiuSky Pacific Strategic Direction 2025- 2030, the Corporate Plan outlines the focus for the next three years and the building of the new school is captured under its Strategic Portfolio Plan to enhance workforce. “This is a training school in recognition of air traffic services, but over time, we want to expand that to include more of the engineering side and also bring in some aerospace training,” Mr. Blythe said when revealing further plans to expand the school. According to the Corporate Plan, a growing concern faced by the aviation industry globally is the production and sustainability of the next generation of aviation professionals. This applies locally where NSPL faces staffing challenges. Therefore, recruiting and retaining qualified air traffic controllers and other highly skilled industry professionals is an ongoing challenge for PNG, particularly in PNG’s remote towns, due to factors like limited training facilities and the high cost of living in urban centers. The Acting Managing Directed emphasized that the establishment of a new air traffic controller school is important because there is a need for capacity building within PNG’s aviation sector to reduce dependency on foreign expertise and develop local talent and capacity.