AVIATION SECTOR WELCOMES NEW MINISTER; FAREWELLS OUTGOING MINISTER

BY LETHISA KOLOKOL

THE five primary state aviation entities and statutory bodies in Papua New Guinea gathered at the Hilton Hotel on Friday, 24th July 2026, to farewell the outgoing Civil Aviation Minister, Hon. Wake Goi, and welcome the incoming Minister, Hon. Douglas Tomuriesa.

Heads and members of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority of Papua New Guinea (CASA PNG), National Airports Corporation (NAC), NiuSky Pacific Limited (NSPL), PNG Accident Investigation Commission (PNGAIC), and the Rural Airstrips Agency (RAA) witnessed Minister Goi hand over a 16-page handover document to Minister Tomuriesa.

The document detailed Minister Goi’s accomplishments over the last 16 months and outlined the future vision for the aviation sector.

In his opening remarks, National Airports Corporation (NAC) Chairman Jacob Anga thanked outgoing Minister Wake Goi for restoring management stability after ten years of frequent leadership changes.

Chairman Anga highlighted two historic achievements under Minister Goi’s tenure: establishing a fully funded, independent Rural Airstrip Agency and appointing the first fully operational NAC board in the last five or six years.

He also praised top aviation entities, including CASA PNG and NiuSky Pacific, for achieving unprecedented levels of collaboration.

Turning to the future, the Chairman welcomed the incoming minister, Douglas Tomuriesa.

Chairman Anga expressed strong confidence in the new leader’s 15 years of corporate and ministerial experience.

In his farewell address, Minister Goi thanked all five stakeholders for their collaboration and shared achievements over the last 16 months.

He challenged incoming Minister Tomuriesa to maintain this momentum and ensure the aviation sector continues to thrive.
In his maiden speech, incoming Minister Tomuriesa accepted the challenge and pledged to work closely with all five stakeholder organizations.