Papua New Guinea is modernising its air traffic management systems through a collaboration between NiuSky Pacific Limited and UK-based aviation technology company Micro Nav.
The agreement was officially signed during a high-level meeting at Micro Nav’s Head Office, attended and formally endorsed by PNG Minister for Civil Aviation, Hon. Wake Goi MP.
The signing ceremony, witnessed by Micro Nav’s Managing Director Greg Pile and NiuSky Pacific Limited’s Acting Managing Director Graham Blythe, marked the formal launch of a partnership designed to enhance the country’s air navigation service capabilities.
Under this agreement, Micro Nav will deliver advanced Air Traffic Control (ATC) simulation technologies to support NiuSky Pacific’s mission of providing safe and efficient air navigation services across PNG.
The initiative is set to bolster NiuSky’s training capacity, operational safety, and technological proficiency, reinforcing its status as a leading Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP) in the Asia-Pacific region.
Micro Nav, in a media announcement on 21 May, described the collaboration as a demonstration of its ongoing commitment to the global ATC industry, aligning with its broader goal of delivering cutting-edge, future-ready solutions to air navigation providers worldwide.
In a detailed public statement, Minister Goi addressed concerns and outlined the strategic importance of travel in PNG.
He explained that the overseas engagements were highly technical and integral to ensuring that PNG’s aviation systems remain safe, modern, and globally compliant.
In France, the delegation held meetings with Thales to assess the Maestro system, which will support improved sequencing of aircraft and the introduction of Standard Instrument Departures (SIDs) and Standard Terminal Arrival Routes (STARs).
These modern procedures enhance safety, reduce delays, and boost fuel efficiency, the group said.
Mission Information
The facts for this mission as per the issued statement by Minister Goi:
- France (Thales):
The delegation held critical meetings with Thales, the current supplier of PNG’s Air Traffic Management (ATM) system, to evaluate the Maestro system.
Maestro will enable more efficient sequencing of aircraft at Jacksons International Airport and is a key enabler for introducing Standard Instrument Departures (SIDs) and Standard Terminal Arrival Routes (STARs), modern procedures that improve safety, reduce delays, and enhance fuel efficiency.
Additionally, discussions with the Thales team focused on the emerging capabilities in Unmanned Aircraft System Traffic Management (UTM), drone management and Air Traffic Flow Management (ATFM).
They noted that ATFM will become mandatory under ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) requirements by 2028, making these engagements essential and timely.
- Madrid (Indra):
The team visited Indra, another leading CNS/ATM provider, to assess digital towers, radar capabilities, navigational systems and alternative technologies, ensuring PNG makes well-informed and cost-effective decisions on future systems.
Indra is the equipment manufacturer for the Jacksons International Airports radar in Port Moresby that can be clearly seen next to the International Terminal on Radar Hill.
- ATM World Congress (Lisbon):
As part of the technical mission, the delegation attended the World ATM Congress in Lisbon—the premier global forum for air traffic management.
This annual event brings together industry leaders, regulators, technology providers, and ANSPs from across the globe to highlight the latest innovations, share operational insights, and explore collaborative solutions in the air navigation sector.
At this event, NiuSky was able to engage directly with leading global suppliers and observe demonstrations of cutting-edge technologies, including:
- Digital towers and remote-control centres,
- Next-generation drone traffic management (UTM) systems,
- AI-assisted air traffic control tools,
- GreenATM and environmental efficiency platforms, and
- Space-based surveillance and VHF communications.
Participation in the Congress provided valuable exposure to emerging trends and enabled PNG to benchmark its strategic priorities against international best practices.
It also strengthened NiuSky’s industry relationships and informed future infrastructure planning in alignment with ICAO’s global aviation objectives.
- United Kingdom (Micronav):
In the UK, NiuSky signed an agreement with Micronav, the manufacturer of PNG’s existing 3D Tower simulator, which is critical for the training and ongoing certification of air traffic controllers.
The agreement will support its upcoming upgrade, essential for future integration of digital tower operations and new ATM procedures.
Alignment with TSSP3-Funded Program
The mission also preceded the rollout of a major aviation infrastructure development program funded by the Australian Government under TSSP3, valued at AUD 22 million over five years. This program will support:
- Upgrade of the Micronav 3D Tower Simulator,
- Trial of a Digital Tower at Nadzab,
- Wide Area Network (WAN) upgrades across PNG,
- Critical power system enhancements,
- Implementation of a national ATFM system (Flow Control),
- Deployment of space-based VHF communications, and others.
These investments are transformational and will position NiuSky Pacific as one of the most advanced and safest Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) in the Asia-Pacific region, Goi said.
The systems and services under review directly impact the safety of the travelling public. CNS/ATM technologies evolve rapidly, and for PNG to meet its international obligations and maintain safe, efficient skies, it must keep pace.
The mission supported:
- Technical validation of major capital investments,
- Strengthening of supplier accountability,
- Strategic alignment with TSSP3-funded initiatives, and
- Preparation for the next phase of aviation development.
Safety is Paramount
Minister Goi stressed that safety is and will always be the overriding priority in aviation. While cost-efficiency and value for money are vital, they can never come at the expense of safety.
“Every decision and investment made by NiuSky Pacific is anchored in this principle. This mission was no exception. The safety of air navigation services, and by extension the lives of the travelling public, is front and centre in all NiuSky operations,” he said.
“I understand and respect the public’s call for accountability and fiscal discipline, especially during challenging times. However, it is equally important to recognise that safety, preparedness, and international credibility in aviation cannot be compromised.”
“This was not an extravagant tour, but a highly strategic, future-focused mission, carefully aligned with national, regional, and international aviation goals,” Goi added.
“As Minister, I remain committed to transparency, good governance, and ensuring that Papua New Guinea continues to operate a safe, resilient, and forward-looking aviation sector.”
