Today saw PNG Air’s Mangi Kutubu make its inaugural flight into Moro in Southern Highlands Province, marking the start of a new twice-weekly service commencing in July.
The modern ATR 42-600 aircraft was acquired by Petroleum Resources Kutubu (PRK) and will be operated under a long-term lease arrangement with PNG Air, in a significant step for locally driven investment in the aviation sector.
This new service is expected to significantly boost air travel into Southern Highlands Province while easing long-standing travel challenges faced by project area landowners from Kutubu, Kikori, Semberigi, and the Homa-Paua region of Hela Province. PNG Air currently has a twice weekly service to and from the provincial capital, Mendi.
PRK Chairman John Kapi Natto said the flight is an emotional and proud moment for the people of Kutubu and their landowning communities.
“For the first time in our nation’s history, landowners are acquiring, owning and leasing aircraft to a major airline in the country to operate.”Mr Natto said.
“This aircraft acquisition marks a significant chapter in the diversification of our investments portfolio and assets base, we are making through our company,” Mr Natto said. “It demonstrates that PRK is growing and sustaining wealth creation beyond our resource projects for our landowners and future generations.”
MRDC Managing Director and CEO, Mr Augustine Mano, welcomed the milestone, commending PRK’s investment in the aviation sector.
“This acquisition is a demonstration and a statement of strong capability of the PRK. It redefines how PRK and other subsidiaries in the MRDC group are positioned as partners in the economic development of Papua New Guinea, through the provision of air transport,” Mr Mano said.
“This investment by PRK is itself, an economic enabler. PRK is a testament of the sustainable wealth creation beyond the life of the oil and gas production. It is not only an active participant in commerce but a leader, with large holdings in other sectors, including the prestigious Star Mountain Plaza and Bank of South Pacific. This level of growth reflects the strategic foresight and leadership drive of the board”. Mr. Mano stated.
He noted that the ATR 72-600 aircraft is ideally suited to PNG Air’s operating environment, particularly across provincial and regional routes.
The aircraft’s maiden landing in Moro was marked by a welcome ceremony, celebrating what Mr Mano described as a landmark achievement for landowners.
“The MRDC Group has continued to invest in the aviation, hospitality and tourism sectors, recognising the strong growth potential as Papua New Guinea progresses.
“Travel and tourism will grow substantially as the country modernizes and opens up. It is important that landowners maintain a strong footprint in this sector into the future,” Mr Mano said.
“I commend the PRK Board for making a major contribution to modernizing and making efficient air travel in PNG.”
