A leading helicopter operator in the Asia Pacific region is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a series of initiatives designed to strengthen career pathways for aspiring local engineers.
Pacific Helicopters is giving a top-performing engineering student from Acatech Aviation College in Port Moresby hands-on training and real-world experience to help them become a fully licensed, job-ready helicopter engineer.
The company, which provides helicopter services to the oil, gas, mining, construction and telecommunications sectors in the Asia Pacific region, is also funding the academic training of two apprentice engineers currently employed with them, supporting them on their path to full licensure.
The initiatives continue Pacific Helicopters’ long-standing commitment to opening career pathways for Papua New Guineans and building the nation’s aviation capability – a sector well-known for its high barriers to entry.
Pacific Helicopters CEO Edward Matane says the company’s fifty years of flying Papua New Guinea’s challenging terrain has built a highly experienced engineering team well equipped to help trainees develop the essential skills and knowledge needed to meet world-class standards.
“Our pilots fly every day rely on our highly skilled engineering team to keep our aircraft safe and operational,” Matane says. “Trainees learning with us get exposure to high-pressure scenarios, including instances where helicopters need to be back in service within a day.
“This kind of on-the-job experience is essential for anyone building a career in this field. We’re proud to support talented local engineers and help grow the next generation of aviation professionals.
“These opportunities not only open doors to rewarding careers but also strengthen Papua New Guinea’s long-term capability in the aviation sector.” Wilfred Pomahun and Tahil Henry are apprentice engineers currently enrolled in Pacific Helicopters’ training program.
Henry says: “I’m deeply grateful to the entire team at Pacific Helicopters – from the CEO to the Engineering staff – for their exceptional support during my time in the engineering department as a national, assisting Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (LAMEs) with maintenance tasks.
“I’ve felt supported by Pacific Helicopters every step of the way, even during the more challenging moments. I appreciate the encouragement, mentorship, open-door culture and the willingness of my colleagues to share their knowledge and expertise, all of which are helping me to learn and grow.
“I look forward to contributing more to the company in the future. A special thanks to key individuals, including the LAMEs at Moro and Goroka and Rexford Lakot, a LAME at Pacific Helicopters, for their unwavering support.”
Pomahun says the chance to train with Pacific Helicopters’ engineering team has been a transformative step in his career. “Getting this hands-on experience has been a game changer for me,” he says. “What we learn in the classroom is important, but working alongside experienced engineers has taken my understanding to a whole new level. I’m really grateful for the opportunity.
In addition, Pacific Helicopters is supporting local training providers by helping them procure training aids and resources to enhance hands-on learning. The company also donates surplus tools and equipment from its modern fleet to help bridge the resource gap.
Wade McDonald is an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer at Pacific Helicopters helping to mentor the apprentices. He says: “We’re not just investing in individuals – we’re investing in the future of aviation in Papua New Guinea, with Pacific Helicopters leading the way.”
“By empowering young engineering talent today, we’re laying the foundation for a skilled, innovative workforce that will drive our industry and company forward for years to come. We’re giving them the opportunity to advance their career, unlock their potential, and thrive in an industry facing a critical need for new talent.
“One day, they’ll be standing in the same shoes I’m in now – equipped to lead, guide and empower the next wave of aviation professionals.”
Over the past 50 years, Pacific Helicopters has played a pivotal role in developing the careers of thousands of Papua New Guineans – particularly in aviation – by opening pathways into an industry that is traditionally difficult to access, especially for women.
Today, women make up 20 per cent of Pacific Helicopters’ national workforce. CEO Edward Matane says Pacific Helicopters’ commitment to developing local talent is rooted in the vision of the company’s late founder, Malcolm Smith.
“Mal was known for his humanitarian spirit and his deep commitment to uplifting local communities,” Matane says. “We’re proud to carry his legacy forward by continuing to help Papua New Guineans into rewarding careers.”
