24 September 2013
 

Safer air travel for Papua New Guineans

Air travel in Papua New Guinea is safer following the installation of new baggage screening machines at Jacksons Airport in Port Moresby.

The K6 million security upgrade was officially opened by the National Airports Corporation and the Australian Government in a ceremony at the airport’s international terminal today.

The new machines at the domestic and international terminals include metal detectors, x-rays and explosives trace testers, bringing baggage screening into line with international safety standards.

“When Papua New Guineans walk through the doors of the Port Moresby airport terminals they can feel more confident in the safety of the flight they are boarding,” the Head of Australian Aid in PNG, Stuart Schaefer, said.

“Keeping people and businesses moving safely and efficiently is very important for PNG’s economy.”

Australia and PNG share a Partnership for Development goal of improving aviation services to comply with international safety and security standards.

“PNG agrees and approves the priorities for Australian aid,” Mr Schaefer said.

“We have both signed up to joint targets in these areas and we work side by side on implementing our plans.”

The Partnership for Development priorities are improved education, health and HIV/AIDS, law and justice and transport infrastructure for PNG.

Under the partnership, Australia has supported initiatives including an air traffic control training simulator, upgrade of navigational aids at Kavieng and Nabzab airports and support for PNG Air Services Limited to improve financial management.