VANUATU: The Council of the Pacific Aviation Safety Office (PASO) has announced the intended departure of General Manager, Mr. Andrew Valentine, in December 2023 after more than seven-years successfully leading the Pacific’s regional aviation organisation.

PASO Chairperson, Mr. Fui Tupai Mau Simanu, conveyed the Council’s heartfelt gratitude for Mr. Valentine’s invaluable service and exceptional leadership.

“Andrew has guided PASO’s transformation from a small, underperforming organisation and elevated us into a reputable, high-impact regional organisation that is truly serving the Pacific and delivering enhanced safety and security regulatory services needed for our Members,” said Mr. Simanu.

“We are grateful to Andrew for his professionalism, vision, and energy in leading PASO over seven-years to this very strong position where we are achieving our strategic goals with opportunities to leverage, and set-up for ongoing success. The legacy Andrew has achieved for PASO and Pacific aviation is significant.”

PASO’s achievements in the last seven years include working with Members to realise the landmark Regional Aviation Minister’s platform to improve regional aviation cooperation and connectivity. This led to PASO developing the long-term Pacific Regional Aviation Strategy, which was launched at the 2022 International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) General Assembly in Montreal.

Under Mr. Valentine’s leadership, PASO has evolved from having just four staff and an insecure future into a strong, strategic regional organisation with 40 staff, with most management and staff positions held by Pacific Islanders and more than 40% held by women.

PASO is now on sustainable financial footing and enjoys the ongoing support from development partners, the Governments of New Zealand and Australia, and from PASO’s host, the Government of Vanuatu. Mr. Valentine has built trusted relationships regionally and internationally as well as brokered new development partnerships.

Developing PASO as an effective regional aviation organisation that delivers quality and innovative services for Members has been a large focus of Mr Valentine’s time as General Manager. PASO’s new ten-year Strategic Plan supported by the introduction of a robust quality management system provides an excellent corporate foundation for the organisation into the future.

Mr. Valentine’s said that he was deeply grateful for the support of the Council and development partners, and especially PASO’s hardworking staff, consultants, and Inspectors.

“I wish to formally acknowledge the supportive role of the Council, including those that have gone before and guided us to where we are today. I also thank the hardworking staff, consultants, and inspectors that make up the PASO team. Thank you for your efforts, dedication, and drive. It’s simply been a pleasure to work with you all,” said Mr. Valentine.

He also acknowledged the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS), Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO), and all CROP agencies, the Governments of Vanuatu, New Zealand, and Australia, along with the World Bank, ICAO and the global aviation community for their support.

Following a well-deserved break, Mr. Valentine plans to embrace new challenges within or beyond the aviation sector, marking the start of a new chapter in his life.

This announcement ensures a seamless transition for the incoming General Manager, and with a global search already well advanced, an announcement about Mr. Valentine’s replacement is expected by October 2023.

ENDS – 519 words

Media Contacts 

Ms. Lisa Macalister, PASO Communications Specialist

Lisa@savvyvanuatu.com +678 550 5500 (mobile/WhatsApp)

See also www.paso.aero/media-centre