Papua New Guinea is set to establish its first-ever aviation degree programmes as the Government, Unitech and key aviation agencies move to address a critical shortage of local pilots, engineers and aviation professionals. The initiative, led by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, will introduce bachelor’s degrees in aeronautical engineering, aerospace engineering and aviation management.
The move comes as the aviation sector continues to face a long-standing shortage of qualified Papua New Guinean professionals, including pilots, engineers, air traffic controllers, safety inspectors, and aviation managers. With aviation serving as a lifeline for economic activity, service delivery, and national connectivity, leaders say the time is right for an in-country, globally recognised aviation qualification.
The initiative, led by Civil Aviation Minister Wake Goi is considered a vital investment in national skills, safety, and long-term aviation growth.
It directly supports PNG’s Vision 2050, MTDP IV, and the National Aviation Human Capital Strategy 2025–2035, emphasising innovation, localisation of expertise, and the modernisation of the national aviation sector.
Proposed Degree Programme Presented to Industry
On 5 November 2025, the Vice-Chancellor of Unitech, Professor Ora Renagi, PhD, together with Engineering Dean Dr Syed and Dr Khallahle, formally presented the proposed curriculum to civil aviation leaders and industry partners.
Minister Goi welcomed the proposal, saying the programme marks an important step forward for PNG’s human capital development.
“This initiative is timely and critical for meeting our growing aviation workforce needs,” Minister Goi said.
“I encourage open dialogue and cooperation among all agencies to ensure we deliver a robust, future-focused academic framework for our young people.”
Unitech to Lead, Industry to Support
The planned bachelor’s degree in aviation will cover three core streams:
- Aeronautical Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
- Aviation Management
The programme aims to produce job-ready graduates with strong technical, regulatory, and safety competencies. Key components include:
• Technical and theoretical coursework aligned with ICAO standards and PASO frameworks
• Internship and industrial attachment placements with local aviation agencies
• Training in engineering laboratories, simulators, and workshops
• Safety and regulatory modules based on relevant ICAO Annexes
Unitech will serve as the lead institution, supported by major aviation partners including NiuSky Pacific, the National Airports Corporation (NAC), Air Niugini, PNG Air, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA PNG), and the Department of Transport. Regulatory oversight will come from DHERST, CASA PNG, and the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
Three-Phase Implementation Plan
The rollout will follow a structured three-phase approach.
Phase 1: Concept Development
This phase includes the formation of an interagency taskforce chaired by the Minister or a representative; finalisation of the programme concept, curriculum, and institutional MOUs; and preparation of a Cabinet submission and budget approval.
Phase 2: Accreditation and Capacity Building
Activities include curriculum validation by CASA PNG, DHERST, and aviation stakeholders; investment in laboratories, engineering workshops, and flight simulation equipment; and academic staff training in partnership with international aviation universities.
Phase 3: Programme Launch
This phase will see the admission of the first 30–50 students, establishment of scholarships, internships, and industry placements, and formalisation of international cooperation to elevate standards.
International Partnerships to Elevate Standards
To ensure global recognition, PNG aims to partner with leading institutions such as RMIT University (Australia), UNSW Aviation, Singapore Aviation Academy, the ICAO Training Centre in Montreal, and institutions in South Korea, the UAE, and Malaysia.
These partnerships are expected to support curriculum design, lecturer exchanges, joint certification, and access to advanced aviation technologies.
Funding Pathways Identified
The programme is expected to receive support through:
• Civil Aviation Development Investment Programme (CADIP III)
• Public Investment Programme (PIP)
• Bilateral assistance under the Australia–PNG Transport Sector Support Programme (TSSP)
• Education sector grants from the Asian Development Bank
Transforming PNG Into a Regional Aviation Education Hub
Once established, the degree programme will produce certified PNG engineers, managers, and aviation specialists, thereby reducing reliance on expatriate workers and strengthening aviation safety and operational efficiency.
Furthermore, the initiative will build long-term national academic and technical capacity and position PNG as a regional aviation education hub for the Pacific.
A key recommendation now before national leaders proposes an interagency working group comprising Civil Aviation, Unitech, and industry stakeholders to finalise and operationalise the programme. The recommendation also directs aviation agencies to contribute technical expertise, training facilities, and placement support, and to advance a Cabinet submission co-sponsored by the Ministry of HERST and the Ministry of Civil Aviation for national endorsement and budget inclusion.
As Minister Goi noted, the initiative marks “a major milestone for Papua New Guinea’s intellectual and human capital development”, signalling a long-awaited transformation in the country’s aviation capability.
