Sam Vulum

The extensive commercial prospects being provided by the PNG LNG Project has set businesses on a scramble to take advantage of the opportunity.
Of immediate significance has been the building and construction boom currently experienced in Port Moresby alone. Similar business hype is being experienced elsewhere with hoteliers announcing massive extension and renovation of facilities to cater for the expected influx of workforce for the project.
The same is happening in the aviation industry with Airlines PNG, announcing in early April that it has formed part of a successful contract to service ongoing heavy and outsized cargo transport throughout Papua New Guinea to prepare for the escalating construction works taking place on the LNG project. 
“The movement of heavy and outsized cargo is a project that has been possible throughout the collaborative efforts of a variety of key stakeholders, so we are very excited to be finally able to announce to the public that we are part of the successful team chosen to undertake this expedition.
“The supply of this type of cargo by air to remote locations in PNG is necessary to build the fundamental resources required to implement the LNG project. It is also designed to reduce the burden on the country’s main highways,” said an Airlines PNG spokesperson.
The aircraft type, which will be used to carry cargo, will be a special Hercules brought in especially from Anchorage, Alaska, under an arrangement with operator Lynden Air Cargo (Lynden) and Adagold Aviation (aviation broker based in Australia).
The multi-tiered deal was arranged by Adagold Aviation over the last 18 months and was struck among all interested parties to achieve the best and most cost-effective outcome for the end user client which has won key infrastructure works on the LNG project.
The cargo transported from seaport facilities in Lae into Tari and Moro in support for the construction camps being built.
Lynden will operate the aircraft under the operational surveillance of Airlines PNG to ensure that all PNG rules and regulations are followed. The aircraft will also be available to move urgent cargo needed by any other Papua New Guinea-based LNG partners.
The aircraft will serve numerous airfields in PNG over the coming months. Airlines PNG will also be performing ground-handling services in these locations.
Lynden is an Alaskan company with a strong relationship with Airlines PNG and is highly regarded for performing operations such as this worldwide.
“Together, Airlines PNG and Lynden will play a crucial role in providing services to the partners as they work closely with the regulatory bodies to allow for the foreign registered aircraft to operate in Papua New Guinea and achieve the movement of this very important cargo in a timely manner, said the Australian spokesperson.
“This project is history in the making for PNG and we are proud to be playing a key role in building the future of the country.”