Women emerging as Air Niugini leaders

An emerging leaders’ program by Air Niugini is proving a success, with an increasing number of Papua New Guineans, including women, being appointed to managerial positions with the airline.

Of the 25 second-tier management staff selected to participate in the initial program last year, half are women who have now been appointed to permanent managerial positions.

Apart from appointments made through the program, the company has also appointed women to managerial positions outside the program, including positions with the airline’s subsidiary companies. Currently, there are 52 female managers, a record for the airline.

Air Niugini’s general manager of human resources, Rei Logona, said the airline is supportive of gender equality in the workforce. He said the appointments are based on individual merit, including industry knowledge, experience, skills and qualifications.

“It is very encouraging to see more national women taking up managerial positions through the emerging leaders’ program, as well as through direct appointments based on due processes,” he said.

“Our staff are treated with respect, fairness and equity. The person whose skills, knowledge and experience best matches the job requirement is selected and these women (the 52) happen to be the most suitable,” Logona said.

Air Niugini invests up to PGK16 million each year for training and human resource development.

On the front line … Air Niugini has a record number of 52 female managers, many graduating from the airline’s emerging leaders’ program.