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It is with great pleasure that we announce Sunbird Aviation will commence services supporting the rural and remote communities of PNG and in particular the Koiari; Goilala districts of the Central Province, and Kokoda in the Oro Province. They will also support all airports along the Kokoda Trail and other areas of the Oro Province.
The purchase of a STOL, Britten Norman Turbine Islander aircraft with multi engine and IFR capability will enable operations into the smallest airfields, safely and economically thus avoiding the necessity of using very expensive helicopter services for medivacs and other logistical tasks.
The Islander can carry an all up weight of 1000 kg payload. The BN2T will provide a more economical payload / price combination than Twin Otter aircraft or helicopters and it's twin engine performance provides safe and legal IFR capability in all but the most severe weather conditions. It it a 9 seater aircraft.
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IMGP2624__640x480_.JPGSunbird Aviation has been formed to assist in the provision of services to these remote areas recently abandoned by Airlines PNG and rarely serviced by other operators. Captains, Michael Butler and John Thomas both former APNG pilots with more than 50 years of accident free PNG flying experience are at the helm of the new company and they hope to fill a void in aviation services into these remote areas.
It is expected that limited operations will commence by mid October and be fully operational by late October.
For any information please contact Captain John Thomas on +675 72244054
Orohaven Kokoda Retreat are the sole agents for 'Sunbird Aviation' in Kokoda. Francis Geheso has been recently transferred to Orohaven Kokoda Retreat and will be responsible for bookings in Kokoda and airport turnarounds. He can be contacted either at Orohaven or on his mobile: 73445488
Orohaven Kokoda Retreat is perfectly situated adjacent to the airport runway.
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Aerial_View__640x480_.jpgMichael Butler is certainly no stranger to Kokoda and has flown in and out of this region for more years then he cares to count. Should you decide to hire 'Sunbird Aviation' for your charters, you will do so knowing he has more hours then anyone else in this particular area of PNG! In fact everyone in the area just about knows Mike he is so respected and always has a friendly hello and smile for anyone who takes the time to befriend him.
Michael can be seen in the photograph when he flew over to Kokoda in August 2010 along with Lady Carol Kidu and invited guests. Michael returned to Port Moresby and Lady Carol Kidu and other guest stayed at Orohaven.
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Michael_Butler__640x480_.jpgFor anyone wanting to walk off the Kokoda Track and overnight at 'Orohaven Kokoda Retreat' everyone is more then welcome. We have several huts; a tavern with COLD COLD Beer; pizza oven and lots more on offer like hot showers; several flushing toilets; genset power for lights and to recharge your mobile or camera batteries and a whole lot more.
Enjoy the track; enjoy the finish; and enjoy the flight back to Port Moresby with a highly experienced expatriate PNG based pilot.
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Trekkers__640x480_.jpgWe can even throw in a traditional 'sing sing' welcome in the true ORO PROVINCE style should anyone request it.
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On Saturday 23rd October Sunbird Aviation made its first trip into Efogi when Michael Butler did a food drop on behalf of Adventure Kokoda. Later in the morning Michael had to fly to Popondetta for a medevac. No doubt Mike is enjoying flying around in this area again after Airlines of PNG stopped their RPT services last year.
The plane has also had the tail painted with their logo so I will arrange another photograph to be taken and will post.
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