Air Niugini is proud to announce that four of its Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (LAMEs) have been granted Airbus A220 type ratings by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority of Papua New Guinea (CASA PNG). This marks a historic first, with the engineers becoming the first Papua New Guineans formally endorsed on the Airbus A220 aircraft type.
This achievement represents a significant milestone not only for Air Niugini but also for Papua New Guinea’s aviation industry, underscoring the airline’s commitment to world-class engineering standards, safety excellence, and the development of national capability.
The CASA PNG Airbus A220 licence endorsements were formally presented by the Deputy Director of CASA PNG and the Manager of Personnel Licensing, recognising both the individual accomplishments of the engineers and the strength of Air Niugini’s training and development systems.
Air Niugini Chief Executive Officer Mr Alan Milne commended the engineers for their dedication and highlighted the broader national significance of the achievement.
“This is a proud and defining moment for Air Niugini and for Papua New Guinea. These four engineers represent the very best of our national talent and are the first fruits of our investment in advanced training and capability development. Their achievement demonstrates that Papua New Guineans can meet and exceed global aviation standards,” Mr Milne said.
“As we introduce the Airbus A220 into our fleet as part of our fleet transformation program, having locally trained and CASA-certified engineers is critical to ensuring safe, efficient, and sustainable operations. This milestone strengthens our technical independence and builds a strong foundation for the future of aviation in our country.”
The four engineers recognised as Papua New Guinea’s first Airbus A220-endorsed Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineers are:
• John Pidik (Mechanical – Airframe and Powerplant)
• Henry Kaunger (Mechanical – Airframe and Powerplant)
• Abraham Gena (Avionics – Electrical Instrument Radio)
• Edward Polau (Avionics – Electrical Instrument Radio)
These senior engineers are highly experienced and multi-rated, each holding certifications across three to six different aircraft types.
They successfully completed an intensive Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) program aligned with international aviation standards.
Their Airbus A220 training commenced in January 2025 in Port Moresby, followed by specialised overseas training in Singapore and Mirabel, Canada, including a visit to the Airbus A220 production facility.
The program included advanced simulator-based engine ground run exercises, hands-on practical training such as engine change procedures, and an operational attachment with Qantas Airways.
This was complemented by extensive on-the-job training (OJT) in Papua New Guinea under the supervision of approved Airbus A220 LAMEs.
The program concluded with a comprehensive CASA PNG assessment process, including formal examinations and a structured oral competency evaluation across 11 critical technical areas.
Type rating endorsements were granted following submission of recognised theory training certification, a validated OJT logbook, and successful completion of all CBTA requirements.
A second group of engineers commenced Airbus A220 training in October 2025, further strengthening Air Niugini’s national engineering capability.
This achievement reflects Air Niugini’s successful transition from traditional knowledge-based training systems to a modern, competency-driven framework focused on real-world performance, operational safety, and technical excellence.
It also highlights strong collaboration between Air Niugini’s engineering and training teams, CASA PNG, and international partners including Airbus, Qantas Airways, and SAMCO.
Mr Milne added, “The certification of these engineers is critical to supporting Air Niugini’s growing Airbus A220 fleet, which forms the backbone of the airline’s fleet transformation program. Having highly trained, locally certified engineers enhances operational reliability, reduces dependence on external resources, and ensures the highest safety standards are maintained.”
Air Niugini acknowledges the dedication, discipline, and professionalism demonstrated by the engineers throughout this demanding process, as well as the continued support of CASA PNG in upholding rigorous regulatory standards.
This milestone not only strengthens Air Niugini’s engineering capability but also represents a significant step forward for Papua New Guinea, showcasing the country’s ability to develop world-class aviation expertise and reinforcing national pride.
