By GINNAH MINI
The latest addition to PNG Air’s fleet, Mangi Kutubu, a modern ATR 42-600 acquired by Petroleum Resources Kutubu (PRK), has made its inaugural flight from Port Moresby to Moro in Southern Highlands Province. This milestone will benefit the people of Kutubu by providing direct and convenient flight access.
Starting in July, Mangi Kutubu will operate twice weekly flights to Moro Airstrip, easing the burden on locals who previously had to travel to Kagamuga Airport in Mt. Hagen, Western Highlands Province, to catch flights.
Speaking at the inaugural landing, PRK Chairman John Kapi Nato expressed his satisfaction with the achievement, noting that the aircraft will solve long-standing travel challenges for Kutubu residents. He thanked his directors and Gulf Governor Sir Christopher Haiveta for their joint decision to invest in aviation as a means of service delivery to landowners and communities.
“This investment is made to the youths/children today so that they can have easy access to school or health service and make our travel faster,” Mr. Nato said.
Managing Director and CEO of the Mineral Resource Development Company (MRDC), Augustine Mano, highlighted the significance of the investment, describing it as the first of its kind in Papua New Guinea where landowners own an aircraft. He commended Kutubu landowners for leading the way.
Mr. Mano added that this investment into aviation will not only benefit travel but refocus its benefit to promote tourism in Kutubu.
“People spend their hard-earned money to travel to Mt. Hagen to access services, now that Mangi Kutubu is here, it changes everything,” Mr. Mano said.
PRK has also built the Kutubu Heritage Hotel near the airstrip, and Mr. Mano encouraged local SMEs to invest in lodges and businesses to grow the local economy. PRK directors noted that Kutubu has the potential to become a tourism hub, with aviation investment playing a key role in unlocking that opportunity.
Landowners and locals were urged to safeguard this investment and use its services responsibly, ensuring long-term benefits for the community.