- This topic has 2,524 voices and 2 replies.
- Posts
AUSTRALIA AND AIRLINES PNG GET KOKODA FLIGHTS ON TRACK
Weekly scheduled flights to four airstrips along the Kokoda Track will have a major impact on the lives of people in Track communities says Head of AusAID in PNG, Bill Costello, following todays signing of an agreement between the Australian Government and Airlines PNG.
Airlines PNG will fly to Manari, Efogi, Kagi, and Milei on a weekly schedule, beginning on 10 July, that will ensure people and goods are able to move in and out of local communities.
The Australian Government is providing K374,000 to subsidise the flights for the first twelve months as one of the initiatives agreed between the PNG and Australian Governments under the Joint Understanding on the Kokoda Track and Owen Stanley Ranges signed at the 2008 Ministerial Forum.
This is a great outcome for communities along the Track, said Mr Costello.
One of the greatest challenges facing Track communities is the walking time and the rugged terrain between them and outside services and facilities. These flights mean that people who need to get to hospital, for example, will no longer need to walk.
It also opens up greater income earning opportunities for people in the Track corridor.
Mr Costello explained that the idea for a subsidised flight program followed extensive consultations with communities, PNG Government agencies and the tourism industry.
Head of Airlines PNG Commercial Operations and Charter, Allen Tyson, said that the nature of PNGs geography means that air transport is the only realistic option for remote communities.
We are very pleased to be working with the Australian Government on this program and with the subsidy we will be able to offer one-way fares at around K130.
This is a very affordable fare which will open up air travel to many of the people in those communities.
Mr Costello said the flight subsidy program was intended to stimulate community and economic development, making it more attractive for the operator to run a regular service along the Track.
The ongoing need for a subsidy program, and any further commitment by the Australian Government, will be evaluated after twelve months.
Airlines PNG will initially offer two scheduled flights from Port Moresby on Fridays. One will leave at 8am and fly to Manari and Efogi before returning to Port Moresby by 9.20am.
The other flight will depart Port Moresby at 9.30am and fly to Kagi and Milei and return to Port Moresby by 10.50am.
The flights will use a 19 seat Twin Otter aircraft.
Under the Joint Understanding on the Kokoda Track and Owen Stanley Ranges, the Australian Government has committed $14.9 million to assist the PNG Government to improve the livelihoods of local communities along the Kokoda Track and to establish effective management arrangements to protect the Track and deliver increasing benefits to local people.
ENDS
Media Inquiries: Jacqueline Smart AusAID Public Affairs +675 325 9333 ext 216
Photographs: Efogi Airstrip
Overlooking_Efogi_Airstrip.jpg
APNG_Efogi.jpg
Copy__2__of_Efogi_Village_2__Small_.jpgThis is really great news specially for those living along the track I am sure that once it gets fully operating those living there will make good use of it not only to fly in and out themselves but also hopefully when they can afford to do so get those extra supplies in including fresh foods etc that they have had difficulty if at all of obtaining in then past.
Congratulations to all involved certainly a big step in the right direction and a start I hope of many other changes making life for those living along the track a little easier.
I personally am very happy to hear this good news.
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.