MAF PNG Secures Alternative Fuel Amid Aviation Crisis
Mission Aviation Fellowship of Papua New Guinea (MAF PNG) has begun importing and stockpiling aviation fuel in response to the country’s sole fuel supplier, Puma Energy, announcing it will stop providing aviation fuel by the end of November. The situation has been labeled a “nationwide aviation fuel supply crisis” by MAF PNG, which serves some of Papua New Guinea’s most remote and vulnerable communities.
In a statement issued on November 21, MAF PNG highlighted the challenges of maintaining flight operations without a reliable local fuel source. The organization, which plays a crucial role in reaching isolated areas, has secured alternative fuel supplies from overseas. However, these imported fuels come at a significantly higher cost, and shipments are already en route to key locations to ensure continuity of essential services.
“While these efforts ensure continuity for the immediate future of the services MAF provides, the increased costs of this alternate fuel supply place a heavy financial burden on MAF in PNG, which may necessitate changing where we fly or our pricing,” the statement explained.
Puma Energy has a history of intermittently halting aviation fuel supplies in Papua New Guinea, forcing airlines to seek alternative arrangements and sometimes suspend operations. This has left carriers, including MAF PNG, in a state of uncertainty regarding their fuel supply.
Founded after World War II to provide aerial support to some of the world’s most disadvantaged regions, Mission Aviation Fellowship now operates over 120 single-engine aircraft globally, including in Papua New Guinea, where it currently flies a fleet of ten Cessna 208 Caravans. These aircraft are integral to MAF PNG’s mission of delivering medical supplies, humanitarian aid, and essential services to remote areas.
“We remain focused on the communities we serve,” said Dom Sant, MAF PNG’s interim country director. “This fuel crisis is beyond our control, but we are committed to doing everything possible to minimize disruptions to the vital services we provide.”
The fuel crisis continues to pose a significant challenge for MAF PNG, as rising fuel costs threaten to impact both operations and pricing. The charity is working tirelessly to ensure that the crisis does not severely disrupt its ability to serve remote communities across Papua New Guinea. As it continues to source fuel from international suppliers, MAF PNG’s priority remains the stability and sustainability of its flight operations, which are crucial for the well-being of many isolated populations.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com