Outgoing Civil Aviation Minister Hon. Wake Goi, MP, has handed over the aviation portfolio after 14 months in office, challenging incoming Minister Hon. Douglas Tomuriesa, MP, to continue reforms that have strengthened aviation safety, expanded infrastructure and improved rural air connectivity across Papua New Guinea.
Speaking during the official handover ceremony at the Hilton Hotel in Port Moresby, Goi thanked ministry staff, aviation agencies, board members and industry stakeholders for supporting the sector's progress.
"I must thank my first secretary, my chairman, deputy chairman and board members. Your presence today shows the commitment you have given me and the work we have done together," Goi said.
During his tenure, Papua New Guinea recorded significant improvements in international aviation performance. The country's ICAO Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme Effective Implementation score increased from 60.7 percent to 80.55 percent, while its aviation security audit score rose from 35.67 percent to 62.95 percent. Papua New Guinea also cleared all previously identified Significant Security Concerns.
"These improvements are not simply statistics. They represent stronger regulatory oversight, greater compliance, improved aviation security and increased confidence in Papua New Guinea's aviation system," Goi said.
He said the ministry also maintained a strong focus on infrastructure, including the K3.32 billion Port Moresby International Airport Redevelopment Project, rehabilitation works at Kagamuga Airport and upgrades at Kiunga, Hoskins, Wewak, Finschhafen, Jacquinot Bay and Hayfield airports.
Goi said rural airstrips remained vital to connecting isolated communities, with 21 rehabilitation projects completed during his time in office.
"Our rural airstrips are lifelines. For many of our people, particularly in remote areas, an airstrip is not a luxury. It is the only practical connection to health, education, markets, government services, and emergency assistance," he said.
He urged the new minister to maintain the momentum.
"We have to make sure the work continues. The projects we have started must not stop. They must continue for the benefit of our people and for the future of this country," Goi said.
The outgoing minister also acknowledged the contributions of aviation workers across the country.
"I want to thank everyone who made things happen. From our airport workers, our security, our cleaners and everyone who works behind the scenes, you have helped make this sector move forward."
He said maintaining high safety standards must remain the sector's priority.
"Safety must always be there for us. We must continue to maintain it and continue to improve."
Goi formally welcomed Tomuriesa as the new Civil Aviation Minister, expressing confidence that the reforms already underway would continue.
"I formally hand over the Ministry and the work now underway with confidence that the incoming Minister will build upon the progress achieved."
Tomuriesa assumes the Civil Aviation portfolio following the July 2026 Cabinet reshuffle, while Goi moves to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
