Helis, August 24, 2025 - Pacific Helicopters, founded in 1975, has grown from a small aviation service provider into one of the leading helicopter operators in the Asia Pacific region.
Over the past five decades, the company has played a pivotal role in supporting Papua New Guinea’s economic and social development, flying missions that range from remote medical evacuations to transporting personnel and equipment for the oil, gas, and mining industries.
Operating in some of the world’s most challenging environments, Pacific Helicopters has built a reputation for safety, reliability, and community commitment. Now, as it celebrates its 50th anniversary, the company is looking to the future with a renewed focus on developing the next generation of aviation engineers.
To mark this milestone, Pacific Helicopters is launching a series of initiatives designed to strengthen career pathways for aspiring local engineers. A leading helicopter operator in the Asia Pacific region, the company is providing a top-performing engineering student from Acatech Aviation College in Port Moresby with hands-on training to prepare them for a career as a fully licensed helicopter engineer. In addition, Pacific Helicopters is supporting two of its apprentice engineers by funding their academic training, reinforcing its long-standing mission to create accessible career pathways for Papua New Guineans in a sector that is often difficult to enter.
Chief Executive Officer Edward Matane emphasized that the company’s five decades of experience navigating Papua New Guinea’s rugged terrain has equipped its engineering team with invaluable skills. This knowledge is now being passed on to trainees, who gain exposure to real-world pressures such as returning helicopters to service within tight timeframes. “Our pilots rely daily on our engineering team to keep our fleet safe and operational,” Matane said. “That means trainees with us are not only learning the theory but also developing the resilience and expertise needed to meet world-class aviation standards.”
Apprentices Wilfred Pomahun and Tahil Henry both expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to train within Pacific Helicopters’ engineering department. Henry credited the mentorship culture and encouragement from licensed aircraft maintenance engineers for his steady growth, while Pomahun described the hands-on experience as transformative, taking his classroom knowledge to new heights. Aircraft maintenance engineer Wade McDonald, who mentors apprentices, added that the program is about more than individual careers—it is an investment in the long-term strength of Papua New Guinea’s aviation industry, which faces a global shortage of skilled engineers.
Over its 50 years of service, Pacific Helicopters has not only supported vital industries such as oil, gas, mining, and telecommunications but has also championed the development of local talent, with women now representing 20 percent of its national workforce.
Matane noted that the company’s late founder, Malcolm Smith, instilled a humanitarian vision rooted in uplifting communities. “We’re proud to carry forward his legacy,” he said, “by opening doors to rewarding aviation careers and ensuring that Papua New Guinea’s aviation capability continues to grow for generations to come.”
Over the past five decades, the company has played a pivotal role in supporting Papua New Guinea’s economic and social development, flying missions that range from remote medical evacuations to transporting personnel and equipment for the oil, gas, and mining industries.
Operating in some of the world’s most challenging environments, Pacific Helicopters has built a reputation for safety, reliability, and community commitment. Now, as it celebrates its 50th anniversary, the company is looking to the future with a renewed focus on developing the next generation of aviation engineers.
To mark this milestone, Pacific Helicopters is launching a series of initiatives designed to strengthen career pathways for aspiring local engineers. A leading helicopter operator in the Asia Pacific region, the company is providing a top-performing engineering student from Acatech Aviation College in Port Moresby with hands-on training to prepare them for a career as a fully licensed helicopter engineer. In addition, Pacific Helicopters is supporting two of its apprentice engineers by funding their academic training, reinforcing its long-standing mission to create accessible career pathways for Papua New Guineans in a sector that is often difficult to enter.
Chief Executive Officer Edward Matane emphasized that the company’s five decades of experience navigating Papua New Guinea’s rugged terrain has equipped its engineering team with invaluable skills. This knowledge is now being passed on to trainees, who gain exposure to real-world pressures such as returning helicopters to service within tight timeframes. “Our pilots rely daily on our engineering team to keep our fleet safe and operational,” Matane said. “That means trainees with us are not only learning the theory but also developing the resilience and expertise needed to meet world-class aviation standards.”
Apprentices Wilfred Pomahun and Tahil Henry both expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to train within Pacific Helicopters’ engineering department. Henry credited the mentorship culture and encouragement from licensed aircraft maintenance engineers for his steady growth, while Pomahun described the hands-on experience as transformative, taking his classroom knowledge to new heights. Aircraft maintenance engineer Wade McDonald, who mentors apprentices, added that the program is about more than individual careers—it is an investment in the long-term strength of Papua New Guinea’s aviation industry, which faces a global shortage of skilled engineers.
Over its 50 years of service, Pacific Helicopters has not only supported vital industries such as oil, gas, mining, and telecommunications but has also championed the development of local talent, with women now representing 20 percent of its national workforce.
Matane noted that the company’s late founder, Malcolm Smith, instilled a humanitarian vision rooted in uplifting communities. “We’re proud to carry forward his legacy,” he said, “by opening doors to rewarding aviation careers and ensuring that Papua New Guinea’s aviation capability continues to grow for generations to come.”
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Pacific Helicopters 
