Map of Kokoda track features on PX B737

By EMMANUEL MAIPE
AIR Niugini has placed the map of the Kokoda track on its new Boeing 737 to promote the track and PNG to countries where it operates.
The map, which is placed on the body of the aircraft, was an initiative of Air Niugini to promote, acknowledge and recognise the significance of the Kokoda campaign in the history of PNG.
The map on the aircraft also commemorates the 70th anniversary of the Kokoda campaign during WWII, which is celebrated this year.  
Speaking at the welcoming ceremony of the new B737 on Wednesday, Air Niugini chairman Garth McIlwain said they did this because they wanted to give a piece of PNG’s war history and promote the track to the people who would be travelling on the aircraft.
“Each year Air Niugini transports hundreds of trekkers from Sydney, Brisbane, and Cairns to Port Moresby to experience the track,” he said.
 “For many trekkers, their first experience of PNG is when they board an Air Niugini flight.
“In our own way, Air Niugini has decided to have Kokoda map on the aircraft livery, enabling to acknowledge and recognise this important event in our history.”
McIlwain believes that putting the map on the aircraft would create “unprecedented awareness for PNG in Australia”, and other parts of the world it operates to.
The initiative to put the map on the plan would not have been possible without the consent of the Kokoda local level government, and the landowners.
Air Niugini chief executive officer Wasantha Kumarasiri expressed same to the people of Kokoda and the LLG for their approval to have the map of the track on the aircraft.
“Without your support, Air Niugini would not have achieved the Kokoda 70th anniversary awareness campaign which is now being promoted on our B737 aircraft,” he said.
 “As we all know, Kokoda track is an icon and to promote this track is promoting PNG to the rest of the world.”