Komo Airfield to be Made Available for Commercial and Disaster Relief Operations

The Prime Minister, Hon. Peter O'Neill CMG MP, has witnessed the signing of a Heads of Agreement that will see Komo airfield made available for uses that include commercial operations and disaster relief operations by the military.

The agreement between ExxonMobil PNG Limited and National Airports Corporation Limited will provide for commercial operations and access for military operations on a case-by-case basis.

Prime Minister O'Neill said opening the airfield for additional use would serve the agricultural sector in the area and will be available to provide assistance when required.

"Komo is a strategic location for the delivery of relief supplies to people in the Highlands during times of natural disaster such as flood or drought," PM O'Neill said.

"Military and relief agencies will be able to factor Komo into their future planning as a potential distribution point to assist people in surrounding areas.

"There is further opportunity for businesspeople in the region to utilize the airport to get their produce to other centres around Papua New Guinea.

"People in Hela Province and through the Highlands region will benefit from this agreement through increased business opportunities and greater peace of mind when faced with potential natural disasters.

"I thank ExxonMobil for entering into this agreement and their ongoing contribution to our nation."

The Komo Airfield was built by ExxonMobil to facilitate the development and operation of the PNG LNG Project and currently operates as a private airfield for the project.

ExxonMobil will continue to own and operate the Komo Airfield, and according to the agreement, is open to additional support facilities being constructed outside the current grounds of the airfield.

It is recognized that space at the airfield is limited with the sealed apron able to accommodate up to two Dash 8-100 series aircraft simultaneously, or one larger aircraft up to the size of a Lockheed Hercules L382.

All operational costs will be borne by the commercial or military user.

The agreement was signed today in Port Moresby by the Minister for Civil Aviation, Hon. Davies Steven MP, and ExxonMobile PNG Managing Director, Mr Andrew Barry.