DEFENCE Secretary Hari John Akipe has expressed gratitude to the Australian Defence Force and the Australian Government for their continued assistance in airlift capability.
Following the signing of a contract with PT Dirgantara Indonesia for the servicing of PNGDF’s CASA P2-502 at Government House on Wednesday, Secretary Akipe said: “I thank Australia for their continued support in providing aircraft to meet the air transport needs of our defence force and for assisting our government to move personnel and cargo during call outs in times of disaster and during national elections.”
He said even after the return-to-service of the Casa aircraft, Australian support would remain a vital.
“Even with the return of CASA, Royal Australian Airforce aircrafts will continue to transport many of our cargos and provide key support during elections next year,” he said.
The State on Wednesday signed two contracts for the PNGDF CASA to undergo full service.
The first one signed at the Government House was with PT Dirgantara Indonesia for the main service, and the second one was signed at the Department of Finance with Panah Asia Angkasa. The contracts worth over K30 million.