The operator has named Jagannath Baskaradoss as Deputy Quality and Safety Manager, supported by Lorraine Loga and Carolyn Drapok as Assistant Quality and Safety Managers. Rather than a routine expansion, the move reflects a deliberate effort to elevate internal oversight and strengthen risk management across complex operations in Papua New Guinea.
Baskaradoss joins from Air Niugini, where he led safety functions at an executive level. His background spans more than 16 years across global airline environments, bringing exposure to diverse regulatory systems and operational models. His appointment is expected to introduce a more analytical and systems-based approach to safety performance.
Loga and Drapok add complementary operational depth. Drapok transitions from Adventist Aviation Services, where she combined frontline flight operations experience with safety oversight responsibilities. Loga, previously with Farland Aviation, contributes a strong background in quality management within the local aviation sector.
Chief Executive Officer Edward Matane indicated the appointments are aligned with a broader internal shift. “We are moving toward a more integrated and forward-looking safety model,” he said. “This team brings the capability to not only maintain standards, but to refine how we measure, anticipate and manage operational risk.”
Baskaradoss emphasized the transition from fixed-wing to rotary operations as a key professional step, noting the different safety dynamics involved. He highlighted the importance of embedding data-led processes to improve consistency and decision-making across varied mission profiles.
Helicopter accidents
Pacific Helicopters, a long-established operator in Papua New Guinea, has recorded a number of aviation incidents over its operational history, reflecting the challenging environments in which it operates. These range from non-fatal landing occurrences to more serious events. Two of the most significant accidents include:
- December 1, 2022 (Tari, Papua New Guinea): An Airbus Helicopters H145 (registration P2-PHA) sustained substantial damage during landing at Tari Hospital after foreign object debris (FOD) entered the fenestron (enclosed tail rotor) on final approach. All seven occupants survived without serious injury.
- February 13, 2011 (Manus Island, Papua New Guinea): A Eurocopter AS350 B2 (registration P2-PHL) crashed into the sea approximately 36 km south of Manus Island during a ferry flight from Madang to Lorengau. The pilot, the sole occupant, was fatally injured after issuing a mayday call prior to ditching.
About Pacific Helicopters : Operating since 1975, Pacific Helicopters supports critical industries including oil and gas, mining, telecommunications and infrastructure. Its mixed fleet—featuring Airbus Helicopters H145 and BK117 platforms alongside Bell 212, Bell 206 LongRanger and AS350 variants—operates in some of the region’s most demanding environments, where safety systems play a central role in sustaining performance and reliability.
See also |
Pacific Helicopters 
