Foundation backs aspiring Engan pilots

By DULCIE OREKE
AIRLINES PNG Ltd and the Ipatas Foundation will give young Engans the chance to train as pilots.
This opens doors for top Grade 12 leavers from the province to seize the opportunity, foundation chairman Isaac Lupari said.
Speaking during the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the airline company and the foundation in Port Moresby yesterday, Lupari said the foundation would support the training.
That support will be in the form of a student financial assistance scheme as well as securing sponsorship or support from individuals and business.
“This partnership with Airlines PNG will provide us the opportunity to have two to four young Engans trained as pilots every 18 months,” he said.
Lupari said the investment would give young Engans the chance to fulfil their dream.
He said it would give the young people a decent start in life while contributing effectively to the development of the country.
He thanked the airliner for the initiative and for giving the foundation the opportunity to take part in the programme.
Airlines PNG chief operating officer Bruce Alabaster said Enga was the first on board the new initiative.
He invited other provincial governments to follow suit.
He said it would cost K450,000 to train every cadet.
Alabaster said 50% of the company’s 60 pilots were PNG nationals.
The first cadets will travel to Australia on Jan 5 next year.