Captain Beverly is PNG's first woman to captain jet aircraft
05 February 2018
KEITH JACKSON | Air Niugini Media Release
PORT MORESBY - Captain Beverly Pakii has become the first female pilot in Papua New Guinea to captain a jet aircraft after attaining her command on an Air Niugini Fokker.
This achievement enables Captain Pakii to command domestic and international flights operated by Fokker 70 and Fokker 100 aircraft.
Her first commercial flight was on 4 January captaining a Fokker 100 aircraft from Port Moresby to Lae and back with First Officer Taylor Yama.
Captain Pakii, from Enga-Morobe parentage, in 2004 became the first female pilot to be sponsored into Air Niugini’s pilot cadet program, in 2015 becoming the first female pilot under the program to command Dash 8 aircraft.
She acknowledged the investment that Air Niugini had made in her career and gaver an encouraging message to fellow female pilots and aspiring female pilots.
“Believe in yourselves and remain focused on your goals as the outcomes are rewarding,” Captain Pakii said.
Her father, Captain Ted Pakii, was also an Air Niugini pilot who operated several aircraft types during his time, starting with Dash 7 and left after achieving his command on the Boeing 767.
Air Niugini chief executive officer Simon Foo said the airline invests a lot of money and resources training pilots and engineers.
Mr Foo said Air Niugini is supportive of gender equality and there are other female pilots in the system.
He said Captain Pakii’s achievement, along with those of other female pilots in a male-dominated profession, demonstrates the airline’s belief in its female workforce.
“Captain Pakii has come through the system holding a very high standard throughout,” he said.
“Her dedication, commitment and humble demeanour to achieve her command is demonstrated in her professional conducts in all facets. She is a role model to other aspiring female pilots.”
Am coming your way boss.
Posted by: Danjip Dak | 28 March 2023 at 01:05 PM
Wow, you're a great role model to the young ladies of today in our country PNG. Girls and women, heads up and follow her pathway.
Posted by: Dokta Ombin | 28 March 2023 at 01:02 PM
Women can fly higher and stand tall among men. We are equal. It is time we men respected women and affirmed their superior knowledge.
Congratulations Captain Beverly for your achievement.
Posted by: Philip Kai Morre | 06 February 2018 at 10:19 PM
Another Enga lady, Nicole Koleala was also flying for Air Niugini. Her father Nat, was one of the first Engan pilots. Not sure if Nicole is still with Air Niugini.
Posted by: Garry Roche | 06 February 2018 at 07:15 AM
Role model indeed and for beyond limit of today's horizons.
Posted by: Lindsay F Bond | 05 February 2018 at 07:17 AM