Australia helps keep Mission Aviation in the air

Western Highlands Governor, Wai Rapa, Australian High Commissioner to PNG, Ewen McDonald, Australia’s Ambassador for Gender Equality, Michelle O’Byrne and MAF staff following the launch of the new partnership.

MISSION Aviation Fellowship (MAF) PNG and the Australian Government on July 30 launched a new partnership to connect Papua New Guinea’s most remote communities to essential services. 

Under the new partnership, the Australian Government will support MAF to sustain its services and reach more communities that depend on aviation as their only reliable connection to the outside world. 

Speaking at the partnership launch event in Mount Hagen, Australian High Commissioner Ewen McDonald AM said the partnership reflects Australia’s commitment to ensure that all Papua New Guineans can access essential services, no matter where they live. 

“For those in remote communities, MAF’s planes can mean the difference between life and death. They help patients reach health care, deliver essential supplies and connect communities when no other transport options exist. Australia is proud to support MAF as it continues serving Papua New Guinea,” High Commissioner McDonald said.

Australia and Papua New Guinea share deep connections through faith and community institutions. Churches remain among the country's most trusted service providers, delivering health, education and community services across remote and hard-to-reach areas. Australia's partnership with MAF reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that communities can access essential services regardless of where they live.

Dom Sant, Country Director, MAF PNG said: “For 75 years we have seen the difference aviation makes for people living in remote communities. Whether it is transporting a patient to urgent medical treatment, moving construction materials or responding to an emergency, our aircraft provide a vital connection.  Australia's support will help us continue this important work.” 

The partnership launch event, held at MAF’s hangar at Kagamuga Airport in Mt Hagen, was attended by the Governor of Western Highlands, Wai Rapa MP, Australian High Commissioner Ewen McDonald AM, and Australian Ambassador for Gender Equality Michelle O’Byrne, and Bishop Justin Soongie, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Wabag.

For 75 years, MAF has provided vital air services across PNG, connecting isolated communities that are often inaccessible by road. Its aircraft transport patients requiring urgent medical treatment, support frontline health workers and teachers, deliver essential supplies, and provide a critical link during emergencies and natural disasters.