Pact enables air service to aim high

 By MIRIAM MALAWA

PAPUA New Guinea Air Service Ltd aims to become a world-class air navigation service provider. 

This follows the signing of an agreement with AusAID yesterday that will see the company overhaul its organisational and operational capacity.

The agency support arrangement includes upgrades to aviation technology and employment of more skilled air traffic management staff.

Under the agreement, AusAID will provide K41 million and PNGASL will contribute K27 million for initiatives, including:

• Installation of surveillance technology for tracking aircraft which will replace primary surveillance method of ground based radar;
• Updating and improving the accuracy of satellite positioning data on critical navigation and landing sites;
• Upgrading to the radio equipment, coverage and power supplies at Mt Konokalang, Mt Mission, Mt Diamond, Mt Otto and Mt Fala; and
• Appointing new PNGASL staff.

PNGASL managing director Capt Ted Pakii said the agreement showed AusAID’s commitment to improving his company’s organisational and operational capacity in becoming a world-class air navigation service provider. 

He said the arrangement would provide a higher level of safety, security and service to the aviation industry and the travelling public.

“I thank AusAID in support of upgrading key aviation safety assets and equipment across the country to introduce state of the art systems which are compatible with neighboring countries.” 

Head of AusAid in PNG Stuart Schaefer said the agreement was a new chapter in the PNG-Australia partnership for development.

“Our governments are working closer together to move aviation services towards full compliance with international safety and security standards,” he said. 

The arrangement will be reviewed annually by AusAID and PNGASL and is the first to be rolled out between Australia and PNG’s transport agencies.