30/04/2026
PRESS STATEMENT
30TH April 2026
𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐲 – 𝐆𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐤𝐚 𝐀𝐢𝐫 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐥 𝐓𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫
GOROKA, Eastern Highlands Province - NiuSky Pacific Limited (NiuSky) today officially broke ground on the construction of a new, purpose-built Air Traffic Control (ATC) Tower at Goroka Airport, a landmark investment in Papua New Guinea’s aviation future and a direct realisation of the company’s Corporate Plan and Strategic Direction 2025–2030.
The new Goroka ATC Tower will stand 28 metres tall, replacing the existing temporary facility with a modern, permanent structure built to international standards. The project encompasses the full installation of advanced Communication, Navigation, Surveillance and Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) systems, delivering a complete, end-to-end upgrade of air traffic control capability at one of PNG’s most strategically important airports.
Goroka Airport serves as a vital gateway to the Highlands region, supporting passenger travel, agricultural exports, medical transport, and cargo logistics across some of PNG’s most populous and economically active provinces. This investment will directly strengthen connectivity, improve safety outcomes, and create an operational environment for air traffic controllers that meets world-class standards.
Delivering on NiuSky’s Strategic Direction and Corporate Plan
The Goroka Tower project is one of the centrepieces of NiuSky’s Strategic Portfolio Plan under its Corporate Plan 2025–2027, which identifies the construction of a new modern control tower at Goroka airport as a priority infrastructure investment. The project directly advances three of NiuSky’s five Strategic Pillars:
• Safety First
Providing modern infrastructure and CNS/ATM systems that enhance safety performance, support a robust Safety Management System (SMS), and ensure compliance with ICAO standards and CASA regulatory requirements.
• Exceptional Operating Model
Deploying cutting-edge technology to optimise air navigation services and deliver reliable, efficient, and regionally aligned operations that meet both industry standards and the expectations of our customers.
• Collaborative Partnerships
The project exemplifies NiuSky’s commitment to fostering strategic development partnerships that drive investment and progress in Papua New Guinea’s aviation sector.
The project also directly supports NiuSky’s Medium-Term Goal to “Establish and support a resilient and effective air transportation network that links all of PNG and provides access to the flow of people, goods and services”, as well as its long-term vision to be a leading air navigation service provider in our region and beyond.
The Goroka Tower is consistent with the Papua New Guinea Government’s national development priorities. The project supports the objectives of PNG Vision 2050, the Medium-Term Development Plan 4 (MTDP 4), specifically the Connect PNG Air Transport Programme and the broader Transport Sector Strategy, which calls for a well-integrated, safe, and sustainable transport system that serves PNG’s economy and society.
The Connect PNG Air Transport Program has committed to constructing, rehabilitating and elevating national airports and rural airstrips to enhance safety, reduce travel times, and improve affordability. This tower is a tangible expression of that commitment in the Highlands.
“Today marks the transition from planning to delivery. The Goroka Tower is concrete evidence that NiuSky’s strategic vision is being realized, not just as words on a page, but as real infrastructure that will improve the safety and efficiency of aviation in the Highlands for decades to come.
Our Corporate Plan and Strategic Direction 2025–2030 are clear: we are committed to delivering world-class air navigation services that support inclusive socio-economic growth for Papua New Guinea. This groundbreaking is a defining moment in that journey.”
The Goroka Tower project is fully funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) under the Civil Aviation Development Investment Program Phase II (CADIP II), a key development partnership that has been central to NiuSky’s infrastructure modernisation efforts. Construction is being undertaken by China Railway Construction Engineering Group Co. Ltd, with project management led by NiuSky Pacific Limited.
NiuSky’s Corporate Plan identifies the ADB as a cornerstone development partner, noting that this partnership will see the construction of modern Control Towers and facilities, for Goroka airport, as part of the organisation’s ongoing post-modernisation efforts. The Goroka groundbreaking marks the commencement of this commitment.
Goroka is the commercial centre of the Eastern Highlands Province and one of PNG’s most active regional aviation hubs. Improved air traffic management infrastructure will yield direct benefits across multiple sectors:
• Agriculture & Trade: Reliable air access supports the movement of produce — including the region’s renowned coffee — to domestic and international markets.
• Health & Emergency Services: Improved operational safety enhances the reliability of medical evacuation and emergency response flights.
• Tourism & Investment: Modern infrastructure signals confidence in the region, supporting PNG’s broader tourism and investment attraction goals.
• Workforce Development: A modern tower provides NiuSky’s air traffic controllers with a professional working environment that supports staff retention, performance, and safety culture, consistent with NiuSky’s goal to be an employer of choice.
The Goroka Tower is one component of NiuSky’s broader infrastructure and technology advancement program. The Corporate Plan 2025–2027 also includes the construction of a new ATC Tower at Jacksons International Airport in Port Moresby , network-wide upgrades to navigational aids, communication systems, surveillance technology, and the planned introduction of digital and remote tower solutions.
Together, these investments represent NiuSky’s commitment to its vision: “A leading air navigation service provider in our region and beyond.”
Approved for Release by CEO/MD :
Graham. Blythe
