Australia has delivered two new PAC 750 aircraft to the Papua New Guinea Defence Force.
The handover, held in Port Moresby on Thursday, fulfilled an agreement that the two counties signed in March.
The deal supports PNGDF’s efforts to modernize its air transport capability for domestic and regional operations.
According to the Australian Defence Force, the light transport aircraft will enable Papua New Guinea to serve communities and civil authorities across the country.
PNGDF selected the PAC 750 aircraft due to its ability to take off and land from short and diverse airfields characteristic of what is found on the Pacific island.
The delivery, part of the two countries’ continuing defense cooperation, includes an agreement for Australia to provide aviation safety, maintenance and sustainment support throughout the aircraft’s operational life. PNGDF’s requirements will be routed through the Royal Australian Air Force, the Defence Cooperation Program and the Flights of Excellence Program.
For its part, PNGDF has started renovation works at its Air Transport Wing facility in Port Moresby, where the fleet will be stationed. The service also qualified four pilots on PAC 750 and integrated loadmasters and maintenance personnel into the aircraft activities.