Grade 12 Science students from Kokopo Technical Secondary School recently gained a rare behind-the-scenes insight into the world of aviation engineering during an educational visit to Tokua Airport in Rabaul, where Air Niugini engineers were carrying out an engine replacement on a Fokker 70 aircraft.

The excursion, organised as part of the school’s Science and Technology learning program, provided students with a unique opportunity to observe aircraft maintenance operations first hand and engage directly with Air Niugini’s engineering team.

For many of the students, it was their first experience entering a restricted airport operational area and witnessing licensed aircraft maintenance engineers perform maintenance work on a commercial aircraft.

The engine replacement marked another significant achievement for Air Niugini’s Engineering Division, demonstrating the airline’s capability to undertake maintenance activities outside its primary engineering base in Port Moresby. A similar engine replacement was successfully completed earlier this year in Rabaul, further highlighting the growing expertise and operational flexibility of Air Niugini’s engineering workforce.

Leading the maintenance team was Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (LAME) Chuck Matane, a proud former student of Kokopo Technical Secondary School. Aviation engineering runs deep in the Matane family. Mr Matane’s uncle, Eddie Matane, is among Papua New Guinea’s pioneering aircraft maintenance engineers and began his career with Air Niugini during the airline’s formative years.

LAME Matane and his team took time to explain maintenance procedures, discuss pathways into aviation engineering, and answer students’ questions about careers in the aviation industry.

“As a former student of Kokopo Technical Secondary School, it was both humbling and rewarding to welcome these students and share with them the work we do every day,” Mr Matane said.

“Aviation engineering is a highly rewarding profession that requires commitment, discipline and a strong foundation in science and mathematics. We hope that seeing our team in action today inspires some of these students to pursue careers in aviation and contribute to the future growth of Papua New Guinea’s aviation industry.”

Kokopo Technical Secondary School Principal Mrs Doreen Lasumon thanked Air Niugini for providing students with a valuable real-world learning experience.

“Experiences like this bring science and technology to life. Seeing highly skilled Papua New Guineans working in specialised professions helps our students better understand the opportunities that education can create,” Mrs Lasumon said.

“We are grateful to Air Niugini and its engineering team for opening their workplace to our students and investing time in helping shape their future career aspirations.”

Air Niugini Chief Executive Officer Alan Milne said the national airline remains committed to supporting educational initiatives that encourage young Papua New Guineans to explore careers in aviation and engineering.

“As Papua New Guinea’s national carrier, Air Niugini is proud to play a role in developing the next generation of aviation professionals,” Mr Milne said.

“Providing students with direct exposure to our engineering operations allows them to see firsthand the expertise, professionalism and dedication required to keep our aircraft operating safely and reliably every day.”

“We hope opportunities such as this ignite curiosity and encourage more young Papua New Guineans to pursue studies and careers in science, technology, engineering and aviation, all of which are critical to the nation’s future development.”

The visit concluded with a guided tour of the maintenance area, aircraft cabin and flight deck, giving students further opportunity to interact with engineers and learn about the rigorous standards and procedures that underpin airline safety and reliability.

For the students, the excursion provided an inspiring glimpse into a highly specialised profession while reinforcing the vital role aviation engineers play in keeping Papua New Guinea connected safely and efficiently.