Napoleon Onzem, The First Papua New Guinean To Fly An Airplane
by Anthony Kalai – Ethical leadership & anti-corruption advocate | WMO-certified meteorologist | Physicist | Entrepreneur | Founder & MD, DK3 Swift Finances | Chairman & Acting CEO, Pusungop Tan Kalai Limited – LinkedIn
Did you know the first Papua New Guinean to fly an airplane was a schoolteacher?
As Papua New Guinea celebrates 50 years of independence, we remember and honor a true trailblazer, Napoleon Onzem, whose courage and achievement inspire us to this day.
In 1963, Napoleon Onzem became the first Papua New Guinean to fly an airplane. Selected by the Australian administration and Ansett Airlines, he earned his Private Pilot’s Licence and opened the skies for our nation.
But his story does not end in aviation. He dedicated more than two decades as a primary school teacher at Porebada Primary School and served his community as a choirmaster. A proud son of Watunou in Milne Bay Province, his life reminds us that greatness is built on service, humility and vision.
It was not easy to find a photo of this national pioneer. I am grateful to Mr. Paul Boga Henao, who shared this rare picture of Napoleon Onzem on Facebook, helping us all to see the face of this remarkable Papua New Guinean.
As we mark 50 years of independence, let us celebrate heroes like Napoleon Onzem who paved the way for generations to dream bigger and reach higher. His legacy is a powerful reminder that our progress as a nation is written by ordinary Papua New Guineans doing extraordinary things.
Thank you, Napoleon Onzem. Your name flies high with the spirit of Papua New Guinea.
