ABG Presents K1 Million to MAF to re-establish aviation services in Bougainville
The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) presented a cheque of K1million to Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) to re-establish its aviation services in the region.
The cheque is part of the ABG’s financial support toward MAF’s Phase 1 infrastructure projects following the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the ABG and the MAF earlier this year.
Presenting the cheque today on behalf of the ABG, Chief Secretary Kearnneth Nanei said the gesture symbolised the government's appreciation and ongoing partnership with MAF, following the signing of the MoU in which President His Excellency Ishmael Toroama committed K1 million in support.
“Today, it gives me great pleasure and honour on behalf of the President, ABG and people of Bougainville to handover this K1million cheque to MAF of PNG as ABG’s commitment to re-establish MAF in Bougainville,” he said.
Mr Nanei reiterated that the presentation showed ABG’s commitment towards building and opening up the airspace in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB) and the ABG’s commitment to further align with MAF’s priorities on the ground to re-establish and re-develop MAF as a third level airline throughout AROB.
The Chief Secretary further noted that the funding aligns with ABG’s broader goals of accessibility and connectivity across the region as contained in the Bougainville Vision 2052, Bougainville Integrated Strategic Development Plan 2023-2027 and the soon-to-launched Bougainville Transport Master Plan.
“This is all aligned with these critical blueprints that within the next ten years we are required to open up the skies within Bougainville and re-access our airstrips in Nissan, Buin, Torokina, Oria and in mountainous communities,” he said.
He acknowledged the services that MAF had provided during the pre-conflict days and said that it is not only a partnership with the government but with our churches and people of AROB who have been in partnership with MAF during the Boug-Air days.
Mr. Nanei further added that he is aware that the MAF will use ABG’s support to build an aircraft hangar at the Buka airport, paving the way for an enduring partnership.
“We look forward to the partnership in building the hangar and eventually a taxi way, at least this will be a significant milestone for our partnership, and I see this as an enduring partnership,” he said.
MAF Launch Team Director John Woodberry upon receiving the cheque today thanked the ABG for its support and also acknowledged Bishop Rev. Abraham Toroi and the Bougainville Christian Council of Churches who have been key partners in inviting MAF back to Bougainville.
“Your contribution to MAF is a gigantic first step to helping MAF establish again in Bougainville. MAF has a history in Bougainville from 1968 to 1978 in helping launch Boug-Air and we have the heart to bring health, hope and healing to remote people in communities around Bougainville,” he said.
Mr Woodberry confirmed that the valuable contribution will be applied directly to the construction of their aircraft hangar at Buka airport.
“This hangar is a crucial part of establishing our aviation operations in AROB and will enable us to serve isolated communities with essential health, education, governance, church support and other crucial services,” he said.
Mr. Woodberry added that the ABG’s support and partnership play a vital role in advancing economic development and improving the wellbeing of Bougainville’s remote communities by enabling safe, reliable and effective aviation services.
“We look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts to fulfil the objectives of our MoU and bringing lasting benefits to the people of Bougainville,” he said.
Meanwhile, MAF hopes to launch its operations once they see the hangar is completed, have their staff in place and to have an aircraft based in Bougainville by early 2026.
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