Australia in its aim to deepen its relationship with Papua New Guinea (PNG) recently donated two new light transport aircraft to the PNG Defense force in the form of two new PAC 750 light transport aircraft.
Australian Assistant Minister for Defence, Mr. Matt Thistlethwaite joined PNG Deputy Prime Minister, John Rosso, to formally handover of the aircraft in Port Moresby.
In consultation with the PNGDF, the PAC 750 aircraft was selected because of its ability to take off from short and remote airfields. An asset given PNG’s diverse terrain and geography.
The new aircraft will enhance existing activities already underway through the Defence Cooperation Program, including the recently announced Defence Pacific Air Program which sees a RAAF C27J operating from PNG to support PNG Government and the PNGDF.
Australia and PNG also continued to partner in support of PNG’s security infrastructure priorities, with construction works underway to refurbish the PNGDF’s Air Transport Wing at Jackson’s International Airport in Port Moresby.