Safe, affordable and reliable air services are critical in Papua New Guinea, a country where geographic difficulties limit road travel and make air travel a must. An upgraded terminal building at Mount Hagen’s Kagamuga Airport in the Western Highlands is the latest initiative of a program that aims to improve 21 national airports across the country.
Transcript
Title: Strengthening Aviation Safety and Services in Papua New Guinea
Description: Safe, affordable and reliable air services are critical in Papua New Guinea, a country where geographic difficulties limit road travel and make air travel a must. An upgraded terminal building at Mount Hagen’s Kagamuga Airport in the western highlands is the latest initiative of a program that aims to improve 21 national airports across the country.
VO: Safe, affordable and reliable air services are critical in Papua New Guinea, where geographic difficulties limit road travel and make air travel a must. The ADB supported Civil Aviation Development Investment Program that was launched in 2009 is improving 21 national airports across the country, strengthening safety, accessibility, and reliability of air services.
The safety of Port Moresby’s Jacksons airport was improved with the construction of a separate parking bay for planes at the domestic terminal and the upgrade of the instrument landing system. The main terminal building at Mount Hagen’s Kagamuga Airport in the western highlands has also been upgraded as part of the program. In addition to its striking design inspired by the local artifact known as a hagen axe, the terminal building has become a beacon of energy efficiency and eco friendliness. The improved terminal has its own independent sewerage treatment system, which separates solid and liquid waste converting them into fertilizer. The building design maximizes the use of natural light while energy saving powered LED lights are used in the terminal.
29 years old aviation security officer, Jessica Jim, believes a new terminal will be good for local businesses and encourages people to travel more frequently between the provinces.
SOT: Jessica Jim
Security Officer
Mount Hagen Airport
The people living around here mostly business men. They have security firm, hotel, motel, and all that, so the new terminal I think would be good for them.
VO: Under the Civil Aviation Development Investment Program a market area is also being built to allow local people specially women to sell local produce in proximity to the airport.
SOT: Selly Joe
Peanut Vendor
Mount Hagen Airport
I look forward to moving to the new market. At the old market we have too many problems with rain and sun which spoil the produce. I think the new airport will boost market business and maybe allow me to earn more money so I can travel to Austalia.
VO: Sarah Koim who runs a car hire company has high hopes for her business when the new terminal is in full swing she believes that marketing will be keep.
SOT: Sarah Koim
Business Owner
Car Rental
We are expecting that business to boom 10X and we applied for the rental booth at the new terminal as well, to display and do our sales there.
VO: 45 year old, Apoa Komia, from Yalibu in the southern highlands makes and sells traditional woven wool bags known as bilums just outside the airport. She hopes more people coming through the new airport terminal will buy her bags.
SOT: Apoa Komia
Bilum Seller
Mount Hagen Airport
With the money I earn from selling bilums I must provide for my unemployed husband and our 9 children. I buy food, clothes, and covers school fees. I expect more business when people use the new airport terminal.
