Papua New Guinea (PNG) is set to become the first country in the world to implement a comprehensive space-based Air Traffic Management (ATM) system across its national airspace following a landmark agreement signed between NiuSky Pacific and Australian aviation technology company, Skykraft.
The agreement was signed by Skykraft Chief Executive Officer Michael Frater and NiuSky Pacific Managing Director Graham Blythe, witnessed by Civil Aviation Minister Wake Goi and First Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation Reuben Daniel.
The partnership will introduce space-based communication and surveillance technology designed to improve the monitoring and management of aircraft operating throughout the country.
According to NiuSky Pacific, the new system will significantly enhance aviation safety, operational efficiency and connectivity, particularly in remote, mountainous and oceanic areas where traditional air traffic monitoring can be challenging.
The technology will provide air traffic controllers with improved situational awareness, allowing safer and more efficient aircraft operations across PNG's airspace.
In a separate development, NiuSky Pacific also signed a Letter of Intent with the ENAV Group during Airspace World 2026 to explore future cooperation in aviation innovation and air navigation services.
Areas of cooperation under the agreement include Air Traffic Management, drone traffic management systems, flight procedure design, digital transformation of aeronautical information services, training and capacity building, and remote tower technologies.
NiuSky Pacific said the agreements will provide access to next-generation aviation technologies and expertise from internationally recognized industry leaders.
The partnerships are expected to support ongoing efforts to modernize the country’s aviation sector while strengthening air navigation services across the country.
The agreements also position PNG among the leading nations adopting emerging aviation technologies within the Asia-Pacific region.
