PNG Women Among First Beneficiaries As Lae Funds Pilot Training Program

PNG Women Among First Beneficiaries as Lae Funds Pilot Training Program/Photo supplied

Two female university graduates are set to begin aviation training after a K500,000 contribution from the Lae City Authority strengthened the Manalos Aviation Cadet Pilot Training Program in PNG.

The financial backing is expected to increase the number of trainee pilots entering the industry while helping a locally based aviation school expand its operations and train students more efficiently.

The cheque was presented by Lae City Authority Chief Executive Officer Robin Calistus on behalf of Deputy Prime Minister and Lae MP John Rosso.

Mr Calistus said the funding formed part of ongoing efforts to invest in  education and practical skills programs for young people in Lae.

The support has been welcomed by Manalos Aviation, with CEO Jurgen Ruh saying it represents the first occasion that government funding has been directed towards the institution’s pilot training activities.

Mr Ruh said previous budget limitations had affected the speed at which cadets could progress through training, but the latest contribution would allow the organisation to scale up its operations.

He added that expanding the program would ultimately benefit both Lae and the wider country by producing more qualified Papua New Guinean aviation professionals.

At the same time, the program is celebrating the enrolment of its first female cadets.

Angela Wycliffe and Shiloh Tugula, both graduates of the Papua New Guinea University of Technology, have been accepted into the training scheme and are scheduled to commence studies in July.

Their training pathway will begin with a private helicopter licence course before moving into aviation theory and commercial pilot qualifications.

Industry observers have described the development as a positive sign for gender inclusion in PNG's aviation sector, which has traditionally been dominated by men.

The cadet pilot program remains fully funded by the taxpayers of Lae, with organisers anticipating additional applicants from the city in future intakes.

“This cheque of K500,000, on behalf of the Deputy Prime Minister, Member for Lae and Chairman of the Lae City Authority, will support and help the Manalos Aviation in the cadet training programs,” Mr Calistus said.

“This is the first time the PNG Government, or any government, has come forward to support us through pilot training. We have received support from the Lae City Authority and we are very thankful,” Mr Ruh said.

“In the past, we had to conduct training at a slower pace due to cash flow challenges. With the support from the Lae City Authority, this funding will help us double and even triple our efforts to train more students in Lae at a faster rate. It means a lot to know that someone is supporting us.”

“By helping us, you are helping Lae and the country. I have been training Papua New Guineans for 11 years and this is the first time I have received such support from the Government, especially the Lae District. Thank you very much, and hopefully other people will do the same.”

Source: PNG Education News