PNGDF agrees to use civilian plane

The National National
From left: Adjutant officer Capt Moses Afuti, pilot Capt Benjamin Waibadi, Air Transport Wing’s Lt Richard Ule in front of the new aircraft at ATW base at Jackson Airport in Port Moresby yesterday. – Nationalpic by JOEL HAMARI

THE PNG Defence Force (PNGDF) and Civil Aviation Safety Authority (Casa) PNG signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for a civilian aircraft to be used for military and civilian missions in the country.
PNGDF commander Maj-Gen Gilbert Toropo said the New Zealand made eight-passenger PAC P-750 XSTOL would be operated by the force’s pilots for military and civic missions such as border and maritime surveillance and reconnaissance, deployment of troops to the border and other areas of operations and medevac services for civilians.
“This plane can be configured to carry cargo for health and education projects and an air ambulance to transport sick people from remote areas to urban health centres,” he said.
“It is fitted with surveillance equipment to conduct surveillance along the border and maritime areas and other military and civilian activities.”
Maj-Gen Toropo made the remarks at the PNGDF Air Transport Wing (ATW) base at Jackson Airport in Port Moresby. He said it was a significant development military aviation.
“Aviation operation is a technical and sophisticated area and so we have ensured that we operate safely in the air and on the ground as well,” he said.
“Today’s signing sets the foundation so that we have safer operating activities for PNGDFATW.”
Meanwhile, Casa PNG deputy director Tom Waqa said the MOU recognised Casa PNG as the regulator to regulate PNGDF aviation operation.