RESIDENTS of Tabubil and surrounding communities of the Star Mountain area are now enjoying the services of a new domestic airport terminal.
The terminal, recently opened in Tabubil, was named after the late Benny Puapakai, a 25 year employee and former president of Ok Tedi Mining & Allied Workers Union.
Opening the new terminal, Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) managing director Alan Breen said it was a great facility and urged everyone to look after it and by doing so, would ensure that there would be flights in and out of Tabubil long after OTML was gone.
“It should be a great legacy from OTML to the communities,” he said.
The terminal is part of OTML’s airport redevelopment project and replaces the old facilities which were used for both domestic and international flights.
The older facilities would now be upgraded for the use of international passengers and would also provide offices for customs and immigration personnel.
The opening ceremony was witnessed by OTML’s senior management, contractors, union executives, government representatives and members of the community.
Speaking on behalf of the landowners, leader John Wanim thanked OTML for the project.
Team coordinator logistics and aviation, Luke Omanpari said the opening of the new terminal was an occasion to be proud of especially within the logistics section.
The new terminal was the handy work of OTML’s regional engineering team led by manager John Iru.
Meanwhile, work has already started on the upgrading of the old terminal facilities.