The National Government is looking at ways to support third-level airline operators to improve affordable air transport services for people living in remote parts of Papua New Guinea.
Minister for Civil Aviation and Member for Kiriwina-Goodenough, Douglas Tomuriesa, told Parliament that discussions with Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) and other third-level airline operators were planned within two weeks to examine their operational requirements and service availability.
The discussions follow concerns raised in parliament by the Member for Wau Waria (Morobe Province), Marsh Narewec, who called on the government to consider subsidies or other forms of assistance for operators serving rural communities.
Narewec said airlines such as North Coast Aviation and Air Sanga faced cash-flow challenges and often relied on charter services, which were unaffordable for many people in remote areas.
He said improved air transport was essential for rural communities to benefit from existing and newly rehabilitated airstrips, particularly in areas where difficult terrain, rivers and valleys made road access challenging.
In response, Tomuriesa acknowledged the important role airstrips have played in the country's development and confirmed that the Government was also progressing work on two outstanding airstrips in Wau Waria District – Sim and Tekadu.
“Airstrips play a major role in the development of our country since before independence, up to today.”
“We have identified a funding through meetings with the CEOs of both entities, and we've set aside those funding which are now in the hands of RAA (Rural Airstrip Agency of PNG).”
“RAA will be moving in to work on those two airstrips. Their engineers will visit the district to assess the two airstrips and determine the rehabilitation work required.”
The Minister also called on members of Parliament, governors and local communities to take responsibility for protecting and maintaining rural airstrips, particularly in addressing landownership issues.
“If you see a need to rehabilitate existing facilities, it could cost between K200, 000 and K300, 000.”
Currently, the only operational airstrip in Wau-Waria is Pureno.