PNG PM Visits ATR Aircraft Factory in France

PNG Prime Minister James Marape visited the ATR aircraft manufacturing facility in Toulouse, France, on Thursday to inspect new aircraft being built for Western Province landowners as part of PNG Air’s growing fleet expansion program.

The visit comes as PNG Air continues increasing its ATR operations across Papua New Guinea, with three aircraft currently under acquisition through an arrangement involving Western Province landowners. One of the aircraft departed the factory earlier this week while two others remain under construction.

 PNG PM Visits ATR Aircraft Factory in France/PNG Government photo

Mr Marape toured the production facility and witnessed firsthand the assembly process of the ATR aircraft, which are widely used in regional aviation because of their ability to operate in difficult terrain and remote airstrips.

The Prime Minister met with ATR Chief Executive Officer Nathalie Tarnaud Laude and Chief Commercial Officer Alexis Vidal during the visit to discuss aviation connectivity, fleet modernisation and future cooperation with Papua New Guinea’s aviation sector.

Accompanying Mr Marape were Mineral Resources Development Company Managing Director Augustine Mano, State Negotiating Team Chairman Dairi Vele, East New Britain Governor Michael Marum, Rabaul MP Dr Allan Marat, and Papua New Guinea’s Ambassador to Belgium and the European Union, Joseph Varo.

Mr Marape acknowledged the role played by MRDC in supporting landowner investment into long-term business opportunities and national economic projects.

He said the involvement of Western Province landowners in the aircraft acquisition reflected the growing confidence of Papua New Guineans in participating directly in major industries.

ATR aircraft have become increasingly important in Papua New Guinea because many areas of the country remain inaccessible by road. Their fuel efficiency and ability to land on shorter runways make them suitable for operations across remote provinces and rural communities.

PNG Air introduced ATR aircraft into its fleet in 2015 as part of a major fleet renewal program. The airline currently operates 10 ATR 72-600 aircraft and plans to progressively expand its fleet with both ATR 72-600 and ATR 42-600 models.

Mr Marape said the fleet expansion had improved passenger movement, increased operational reliability and strengthened transport connectivity throughout the country, particularly for mining, petroleum, tourism and government services.

He also welcomed PNG Air’s introduction of ATR 42-600 aircraft, describing them as suitable for smaller airports and operationally challenging regions across Papua New Guinea.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed the Government’s support for aviation growth and airport infrastructure development, saying air transport remained a lifeline service for many Papua New Guineans.

“As we celebrate 50 years of independence, we must continue investing in modern infrastructure that supports economic growth, national unity, and improved accessibility for our people,” Mr Marape said.