Air Niugini has signed a strategic agreement with Institute of Technical Education Services (ITEES) of Singapore yesterday(03rd February) to strengthen technical training and capability development for its workforce. Both parties signed the agreement during the Singapore Airshow, marking an important milestone in Air Niugini’s ongoing commitment to operational excellence and workforce development.
ITEES is the international business arm of the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) in Singapore, established to share Singapore’s vocational education and training expertise with organisations around the world. Under the agreement, ITEES will provide specialised technical training for Air Niugini, drawing on its extensive experience in aviation and technical education.
The agreement was signed by Air Niugini’s Officer In Charge, Captain Samiu Taufa and ITEES Chief Executive Officer, Mr Suresh Natarajan, witnessed by Air Niugini’s Board Chairman, Mr Karl Yalo, reinforcing a shared commitment to collaboration and skills development. In addition to technical training, ITEES also provides leadership and planning support programmes, which can be tailored to Air Niugini’s operational needs.
Captain Taufa highlighted the importance of the partnership, particularly as Air Niugini continues to modernise its fleet. “This collaboration with ITEES represents a significant investment in our people and our future. “
“As we introduce new-generation aircraft such as the Airbus A220 into our operations, it is critical that our technical staff are equipped with the right skills, knowledge and global best practices to support safe, reliable and efficient operations.” Captain Taufa said
He added that partnerships of this nature were essential for long-term sustainability as it underscores the value of collaboration in developing a highly skilled workforce that can support the airline’s growth and transformation into the future.
Air Niugini Board Chairman Mr Karl Yalo welcomed the agreement, describing it as aligned with the airline’s broader strategic direction. “This partnership reflects the Board’s commitment to strengthening governance, technical capability and leadership across the organisation,” Mr Yalo said. “By investing in high-quality training and development, we are ensuring that Air Niugini remains competitive, resilient and well-positioned to meet future challenges in the aviation industry.”
Speaking at the signing, ITEES CEO Mr Suresh Natarajan said the organisation was pleased to support Air Niugini’s capability development journey. “We are delighted to partner with Air Niugini and to share Singapore’s vocational and technical training expertise with the airline,” Mr Natarajan said.
He also acknowledged Airbus for facilitating this connection, which has enabled ITEES to offer its training and development programmes to support Air Niugini’s technical needs.
