Cultural obligation fulfilled at Bougainville

Air Niugini has fulfilled its cultural obligation to landowners from Kieta, Bougainville, with the exchange of two pigs and food as a token of appreciation for allowing the airline to have one of its aircraft christened Kieta.

The cultural ceremony took place at Toborol village in Kieta, and was attended by representatives from six major landowner groups – Barapang, Kurabang, Batuang, Baiang, Mantaa and Bakoringku. Aropa Airport is built on their land.

Air Niugini’s general manager for customers and markets, Dominic Kaumu, attended the ceremony and presented the gifts to the landowners.

Mr Kaumu said traditional obligations are an important part of PNG society, and Air Niugini, as the national airline, is grateful to be able to fulfill its commitment to the landowners.

“Air Niugini is supporting the government’s initiative to bring back the airline service to this part of Bougainville after 25 years and we are grateful for the fact that you have allowed us not only to resume services but also name one of our aircraft after your airport, Kieta,” he said.

The ceremony further strengthens the partnership and co-operation between Air Niugini and the local communities.

He added that such a ceremony further strengthens the partnership and cooperation between Air Niugini and the local communities.

A spokesperson for the six landowner groups, Gabriel Sala, acknowledged Air Niugini for fulfilling its traditional obligation and assured the airline of the landowners’ support.

Air Niugini’s aircraft was christened Kieta following its first flight to Kieta, carrying the Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill, and his delegation to the Aropa Airport opening on December 12.

Air Niugini resumed services to the airport after 25 years. The airline operates three weekly flights to Kieta every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. The direct Port Moresby/Kieta flight is on Tuesday, while the Thursday flight goes via Rabaul. The flight on Saturday goes from Port Moresby to Rabaul then Kieta, Rabaul and back to Port Moresby.

Cultural ties … landowners and locals who gathered for the exchange of pigs and food; some of the food that was distributed throughout the community.