PX works through pilot shortage

THE National Flag Carrier of Papua New Guinea domestic service delivery has not been satisfactory.
Air Niugini Chief Executive, Simon Foo, in a paid advertisement in this paper last week, said while Air Niugini’s International Boeing Services had been excellent, the domestic service had not been satisfactory.
He said currently a global shortage of pilots were affecting airliners as only those who could afford to offer more attractive terms and conditions were retaining pilots.
“Air Niugini strives to be a good employer, but at the same time we have to live within our means.”
Foo said flying conditions in PNG were challenging and the experience gained and reputation achieved by
Air Niugini pilots and staff, in providing quality and safe services over the years, was very attractive to other airlines seeking to recruit our staff.
To counter this, the airline has taken the following steps to address this situation. They are as follows:

• The Board has approved changes to the terms and conditions of the existing crew to remain competitive on the world market. Some of the changes have already been implemented, while others will follow very soon.
• Air Niugini has stepped up the recruitment of additional pilots and the company’s training programme has been increased by 30 per cent. The firm’s safety standards will never be compromised and as a consequence this process takes time
• Following the end of the peak travel period the airline has temporarily reduced its flight schedule due to lower demand and in order to improve the reliability of the remaining flights”

“Air Niugini operates within aglobal aviation community and is impacted by events and factors in other countries leading to the current shortage of crew.
“Through the additional recruitment, accelerated training programme, improved conditions that we have approved and other strategies, we will continue to provide safe and efficient air travel to the satisfaction of the traveling public of Papua New Guinea,” he said.