Air Niugini has increased the passenger and cargo capacity of its services to Buka following the establishment of a Jet A-1 aviation fuel refuelling facility at Buka Airport by Ok Tedi Energy, a subsidiary of Ok Tedi Mining Limited.
The new facility commenced operations with its first Jet A-1 refuelling on Wednesday, 30 September, with Air Niugini’s Fokker 100, P2-ANH, becoming the first aircraft to refuel at Buka. The aircraft operated its scheduled service with increased payload capacity, enabling Air Niugini to clear a backlog of cargo from Port Moresby to Buka on the first flight.
Having fuel available at Buka means Air Niugini aircraft can carry less fuel from Port Moresby for the return journey, freeing up additional payload capacity for passengers, baggage and cargo.
Air Niugini Chief Executive Officer Mr Alan Milne welcomed the development and acknowledged Ok Tedi Energy for establishing the facility at Buka.
“The availability of Jet A-1 fuel at Buka is a significant operational benefit for Air Niugini and our customers. It enables us to utilise our aircraft more efficiently and carry additional passengers, baggage and cargo to and from Buka,” Mr Milne said.
“We sincerely thank Ok Tedi Energy for establishing this facility at Buka and for the work being undertaken to improve aviation fuel availability at key regional airports. This is a practical improvement that delivers an immediate benefit to our operations and, importantly, to the people and businesses we serve,” he said.
“The fact that we were able to clear a backlog of cargo on the first flight following the commencement of refuelling demonstrates the immediate value of having fuel available at the destination. This is particularly welcome as we approach the busy festive period, when demand for passenger and cargo services increases.”
Ok Tedi Energy has established refuelling facilities at a number of airports, including Nadzab, Tabubil, Kiunga, Kagamuga, Tokua, Vanimo and now Buka, with further regional locations planned.
Ok Tedi Mining Limited Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Mr Kedi Ilimbit said the Buka facility and other similar set ups by Ok Tedi Energy would contribute to maintaining reliable air connectivity and supporting the movement of people and goods and ensuring fuel security and certainty , without disrupting airline operations.
“This project demonstrates the growing role that Ok Tedi Energy is playing in strengthening critical infrastructure across Papua New Guinea. By expanding access to aviation fuel services, we are helping airlines operate more efficiently, improving connectivity for communities and businesses, and supporting economic growth in the regions.
 
The establishment of the Jet A-1 facility at Buka is another example of how the Ok Tedi Group is leveraging its technical and operational capabilities beyond mining to create value for the country. We are proud to be making a practical difference by enabling better access, supporting commerce, and helping connect Papua New Guineans to opportunities.
 
“The Ok Tedi Energy set up ensures fuel security and certainty, without disrupting airline operations,” Mr Ilimbit said.
Air Niugini currently operates six weekly flights between Port Moresby and Buka. Two of these services operate via Rabaul and Buka, or Buka and Rabaul, before returning to Port Moresby.
The new refuelling facility provides greater operational flexibility across these services and allows the airline to make better use of available aircraft capacity.
Air Niugini thanked Ok Tedi Energy through Ok Tedi Mining Limited for establishing the Jet A-1 refuelling facility at Buka, which will support the airline’s continued services to the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.