The PNG Defence Force yesterday (Wednesday) held a traditional Hose down for its CASA airplane that returned from Bandung, Indonesia, after a total system over haul.
At a cost of K9 million the maintenance according to the PNGDF Commander Gilbert Toropo was vital to the operations of the PNGDF.
Toropo says that with the CASA CN-235 back on fleet along with the two Australian choppers, the PNGDF at least had some logistics in terms of air capabilities.
He says that with no air support the force would be armless which would not be ideal in the long run in terms of how the force would support itself and the State.
He says that with the return of the CASA the next step would be for the force to look at upgrading the other CASA plane which was also in need of maintenance.
According to the Air Transport Wings Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel John Matagarakikai, with the CASA now back on deck, they would rest for the weekend and then resume flight runs starting Monday.
Lt Colonel Matagarakikai says that the plane which he captained into base today handled well and that he is confident with the work done on it.
Toropo says he is happy that the CASA was back on roster to assist with operational needs in the upcoming 2015 Pacific Games as well as events such as the 2017 Elections and 2018 APEC meeting.