A total of 88 students were graduated from the Aiyura Aircraft Maintenance Engineering School (AAMES) with level three (3) certificate in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering – Fixed wings (Aeroplanes) and Rotor Wing (Helicopters).
The graduation, which was held at the Aiyura Campus in Obura-Wonenara District of Eastern Highlands Province on Thursday, October 17, 2024, was the 10th graduation ceremony of the school since its inception.
Out of the 88 students from various provinces in the country, 17 were females and 71 were males.
Principal of the AAMES, Mr Agion Aiako stated that training in the field of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering is his part to contribute to the nation building, especially in human resources.
He said the training underscores students’ discipline, multi-skilling and commitment towards building a career going forward to contribute meaningfully in whatever way possible.
The graduation ceremony was graced by the presence of other important dignitaries, including the PNG Defense Force Chief Commander, Commodore Philip Polewara, and his team.
Parents of the graduating students, who travelled into Aiyura to witness the graduation, booked into lodges in Kainantu and in Aiyura, while other parents had to stay with their children in the school dormitories.
Commodore Philip Polewara, who gave the keynote address at the ceremony, started off by saying good morning in two dialects, Gadsup & Tairora, in Obura-Wonenara District.
Commodore Polewara thanked and appreciated the AAMES Principal for welcoming him and having him as Guest Speaker.
He also gave an inspirational message to the graduands of AAMES.
Meanwhile, Commodore Polewara announced that the PNG Defense Force will send their officers to train in AAMES next year onwards, marking the partnership between AAMES and PNGDF.
The PNGDF usually sends their officers to study Aircraft Maintenance Engineering in New Zealand, which Commodore Polewara highlighted as very expensive exercise.
The PNGDF Chief acknowledged that the same level courses and training are provided by AAMES here in Papua New Guinea which he believes to take PNGDF on board for training commencing next year.
The AAMES Principal was overwhelmingly thrilled to hear and see the head of PNGDF attending the graduation as he recalls there was no such Guest that attended graduations for past nine years.
