Papua New Guinea Defense Force (PNGDF)

Since his appointment last August, Brigadier General Latil made an official visit to Port Moresby, where the French general officer was welcomed by a parade at Murray Barracks and then by Acting Commander PNG Defence Force, Commodore Philipp Polewara.

Brigadier General Latil met the Minister for Defence Dr Billy Joseph and the Secretary of the Department of Defence, Hari John Akipe. Together, they had fruitful discussions on several fields of cooperation, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) that PNG could need in the case of natural disaster.

Manufactured in Hamilton, New Zealand by Pacific Aerospace Limited, the aircraft can hold up to 9 passengers. The aircraft was purchased in 2018 by the National Government after Former Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill made a commitment to purchase four aircrafts while on a state visit to New Zealand in 2013.

The PNGDF ATW will begin flying the PAC P-750XL aircraft with the help of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) flying instructor Wing Commander Tim Shaw and his team, working as part of the Defense Cooperation Program based in PNG.