Fifty-two women who are managers at Air Niugini are setting a record for the airline, a senior official says.
Human resources General Manager Rei Logona said the airline had been very supportive of gender equality in the workforce.
Speaking at an Emerging Leaders’ Programme, he said appointments were based on individual merit which included years of industry knowledge, skills, qualifications and experience.
“It is very encouraging to see more national women taking up managerial positions through the Emerging Leadership Programme, as well as through direct appointments based on due processes,” Logona said.
“The recent appointments of Air Niugini’s first female general manager of property and facilities, Bonai Wala, and the first woman to captain a Fokker jet Beverly Pakii, demonstrates the airline’s commitments, support and investment in its female workforce.
“Our staff are treated with respect, fairness and equity. The person whose skills, knowledge and experience best match the job requirement is selected and these women happen to be the most suitable.
“Air Niugini understands that shaping career paths for its workforce is vital for the airline’s continued business success.
“Hence, this Emerging Leaders Programme is a major part of the effort to prepare the potential and aspiring future leaders, including women, to take in senior managerial positions in the future.
Wala said being the airline’s first female general manager showed the airline’s support of gender equality.
“I spent 18 years in finance,” she said. “I have worked with male managers who have mentored me. They have seen me not as a female but as a professional individual with great potential. That shows that the environment in which I’ve been groomed is not gender-based but it’s based on professionalism.”
