PNG Remote Communities to Benefit from Australia–Adventist Aviation Partnership

Australia has entered a new partnership with Adventist Aviation Services (AAS) to expand access to lifesaving health services for people living in some of Papua New Guinea's most isolated communities.

The initiative will strengthen air transport services that provide emergency medical evacuations, deliver essential supplies and improve access to basic services for villages where aircraft remain the only reliable means of transport.

 PNG Remote Communities to Benefit from Australia–Adventist Aviation Partnership/Photo supplied

The partnership was officially launched at the Morobe Mission Adventist Hall in Lae. The event was attended by Community Development, Youth and Religion Minister Jason Peter, PNG Union Mission President Pastor Danny Philip, Adventist Aviation Services Chief Executive Officer Captain Mark Neah and representatives from the Australian High Commission.

Captain Neah said the collaboration would help ensure vital services continued reaching people in remote areas that depend heavily on aviation.

He said Australia's support would enable the organisation to keep its aircraft operating and serving communities that would otherwise have limited or no access to healthcare and other essential services.

Adventist Aviation Services has for decades carried out medical evacuation flights while transporting supplies needed for schools, health centres and churches across difficult terrain throughout Papua New Guinea.

The organisation continues to face challenges such as rising aviation fuel costs and demanding flying conditions. Under the new partnership, Australian funding will assist with fuel availability, operational staffing and maintenance of remote airstrips to ensure flights remain safe and dependable.

Australia said the support reflects its ongoing commitment under the PNG–Australia Partnership to improve access to essential services for Papua New Guineans regardless of where they live. Adventist Aviation Services, a not-for-profit organisation affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church, has been serving remote communities across the country for more than 60 years.

"Australia's support is helping us keep our planes in the air to reach the most remote communities that rely on our services. This will be the start of a long-term community building partnership effort," Captain Neah said.