Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) is set to launch operations in Bougainville thanks to a funding boost of USD 238,000 from the Autonomous Bougainville Government. This financial support will enable MAF to construct a hangar for its aircraft, aiming for a start of service by 2026.
MAF’s commitment includes delivering essential supplies, food, and medicine to communities that are hard to reach. Last year in Papua New Guinea, MAF’s services provided transportation for 31,157 passengers, including health and community workers, teachers, and students, to airstrips that lack commercial airline service. The aircraft operated by MAF have also played an integral role in logistics, transporting 1,587 tonnes of cargo across more than one million kilometers, including essential materials like plywood and roofing sheets.
This revitalization of MAF services in Bougainville speaks to a larger trend within the region, where enhanced air connectivity is seen as vital for supporting remote communities and fostering development. The effort echoes the ongoing improvements being made in other parts of Papua New Guinea’s aviation sector, as highlighted by significant investments from the government into airline infrastructures, such as Air Niugini’s refleet initiative.
The establishment of MAF’s operations is not only a positive development for Bougainville but also aligns with broader regional goals of improving access to vital services, thus fostering resilience and growth for isolated communities. The anticipation surrounding MAF’s return to the region represents a hopeful commitment to enhancing livelihoods and connectivity in Papua New Guinea.
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