The Aiyura Aircraft Maintenance Engineering School (AAMES) commemorated its 10th Anniversary recently on Wednesday, 4th July 2024 in Aiyura, Obura-Wonenara district of Eastern Highlands Province.
The Institution is a registered technical institution in Papua New Guinea that has met all the requirements set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, Department of Higher Education, Research Science & Technology, and the National Training Council.
The occasion was graced by the presence of a Spacecraft Operations Engineer from National Aeronautical Space Agency (NASA) who flew into the country all the way from United States of America.
Ms. Nagin Cox, who was named after an asteroid back in 2015 and received the NASA Service Medal for the work she does best as a Spacecraft Operation Engineer at NASA was delighted to be the Guest of Honour at the AAMES 10th Anniversary.
During the commemoration ceremony, Ms. Nagin Cox was also given the privilege to unveil the school’s 10th anniversary plaque with the institution’s principal director.
The Principal Director of Aiyura Aircraft Maintenance Engineering School (AAMES) Mr. Agion Aiako stated that Ms. Nagin’s visit to the school was a milestone and paves way for further advancement in training, International recognition, and the possibility of establishing mutual partnership with NASA through the United States Embassy in Papua New Guinea.
The delighted Ms. Nagin Cox, in her remarks as guest speaker made significant presentation about her works at NASA, through highlighting what they are doing back in USA to reach out to planet Mars, with a brief rundown of NASA’s daily operations such as monitoring and controlling space drone from earth to capture things from outer space.
“I am so honoured to be here in Papua New Guinea and in this school in Aiyura, as this is my very first time to visit this beautiful island nation.
“I love the reception, the people, the culture and the school’s setting in such remote locality,” Ms. Nagin said.
Mr. Aiako in his closing remarks stated that he wasn’t expecting someone from an organization like NASA, but when the US Embassy advised and confirmed on Ms. Nagin’s visit, the school and the community prepared within two days for her reception, including the team from US Embassy in Port Moresby.
“On behalf the school, I would like to sincerely thank the Team from US Embassy for extending the invitation to Ms. Nagin Cox from the NASA in America, to come all the way to our School in Aiyura and embrace the 10th Anniversary event,” said Mr. Aiako.
He further extended his gratitude to Ms. Nagin for speaking to the students, technical and academic staff members, community, and also the school plaque’s unveiling to mark its 10years of service in training young and aspiring Aircraft Maintenance Engineers in Papua New Guinea.
Mr. Aiako further annotated that the School looks forward for more years of progress, development and support from those who see the importance of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering in the country, as far as the aviation industry is concerned.
AAMES currently have more than one hundred students from all over the country boarding at Aiyura campus, and has qualified Aircraft Maintenance Engineering trainers, surrounded by a peaceful and supportive community.
