NAC

In a statement from the Office of the Managing Director, the organization is currently working closely with CASA PNG to prepare for this important audit. ICAO officials have had virtual meetings with NAC, CASA PNG and Air Niugini.  

“(They) are happy with the progress on corrective actions taken by NAC on the Security Concerns from their last audits, in preparation for this audit.”

The Police Composite Team comprising officers from Dog Unit, Airport Police and Six Mile Police provided security operations at the airport.

Upon completion of their engagement in January 2022, NAC Managing Director, Rex Kiponge and the management thanked them for their support.

“Festive operation is very important for NAC as we see increased movement of passengers and different types of activities happening and police have been effective in helping us keep Jackson airport secure and safe for the travelling public,” Mr Kiponge said.

NAC informed the media during a press conference today that they have heard from the government and have considered and accommodated their concerns.

NAC Managing Director, Rex Kiponge has appealed to the settlers that within this period, they will need to look at resettling somewhere saying that as landlord, NAC will still exercise its right to take back its land within the declared Aerodrome that is currently in the hands of the illegal settlers.

The work involves replacing the existing Horizontal Packaged Units, which have become obsolete and installing new units to restore air conditioning to the Departure Check-In area.

While this work is underway, temporary fan units have been installed. NAC anticipates the completion of this work towards the end of December 2021.

This is in consideration of several factors, including the manufacture of units in Australia, lead time, freight and the current COVID-19 situation.

NAC did not have enough land to build the new terminal building for Vanimo Airport, hence the trade – off agreement was negotiated two weeks ago which resulted in the PNGDF transferring a 10, 000 square metre portion of its land to NAC.

This is in exchange for the refurbishment of PNGDF’s existing offices, accommodation, mess, ablution facilities and sewer systems at a cost of K3 million.

He said the NAC is unaware of any investigation conducted by ICAC and no formal notification was given to attend premises to conduct their investigation.

Mr Kiponge is calling on ICAC interim chairman, Thomas Eluh to clarify the terms and conditions used to investigate the incident involving two security firms at the Jacksons Domestic terminal on March 22, 2021.

He claimed that Mr Eluh and the ICAC team has not visited NAC and was surprised on the reports ICAC had released.

This will help in supporting the Government’s aspirations to open market access and encourage economic participation by rural Papua New Guineans.

NAC met with the MPG in May and proposed a concept called ‘Economic Recovery Pathway through Agriculture and Fisheries Aviation’.

Governor Ginson Saonu told NAC that the concept would be a game changer for economic recovery and growth not just for Morobe but also for PNG.

This he said is because it will open up market access and put money in the pockets of rural farmers and fishermen.

The NAC issued a statement to say the upgrade on the runway is substantially complete.

The Wapenamanda Airport upgrade is part of the Civil Aviation Development Investment Program, co-financed by the Government of Papua New Guinea and the Asian Development Bank.

Works on the runway include strengthening of the taxiway and apron pavements to accommodate Regular Public Transport (RPT) operations by ATR72-600 and Dash 8 aircraft, or similar, new staff residence and new airport safety officer’s office.

Minister Agisa said the team from the National Airport Corporation (NAC) visited the province recently to inspect the 1.4km airport extension upgrade and redevelopment valued at K91.85 million. This is set to be completed by July 2022.

Other issues that were discussed during the visit was the outstanding K15 million owed to the Kavieng Airport landowners, of which a K3 million cheque was paid to landowners during the ground breaking ceremony on July 6^th, 2020.

This follows a stand-off over the role of MD and CEO for NAC between Kiponge and the former MD and CEO, Ephraim Wasem.

The National Court has now issued interim stay orders for the status quo to remain until the matter is resolved by the court.

On March 3rd and 4th the NAC head office was the scene of a stand-off over the position of MD and CEO.

Rex Kiponge, who was appointed on February 25th by the Board of the National Airports Corporation (NAC) was refused entry by heavy police presence, allegedly organised by Kiponge’s predecessor, Ephraim Wasem.