Engineering first for Air Niugini

Air Niugini’s Fokker 70 jet aircraft, P2 ANR, is back in operation following a successful completion of the in-house C check, or heavy maintenance check, at the airline’s engineering hangar in Port Moresby.

P2 ANR is the first Fokker 70 to have had a C check done in-house.

Air Niugini’s newly appointed managing director, Alan Milne, acknowledged the engineering team and all staff involved for an excellent job, saving the airline millions of kina.

“Air Niugini saves PGK2.5 million each time a C check is carried out in-house – that’s a huge saving and a remarkable achievement,” he said. “We acknowledge and appreciate the support from all staff involved in the project and look forward to similar outcomes for other aircraft being worked on at the moment.”

Milne – who worked for Qantas in Australia for many years, starting as an apprentice aircraft maintenance engineer – said such an achievement demonstrates how much aviation has grown in Papua New Guinea, adding that the team delivered a remarkable project just in time for the airline’s 45th anniversary.

“I could not be more excited to be joining this great organisation. As a former engineer, I know the pride I took in helping to build and grow the national airline and it has been wonderful to see the same pride in the eyes of the Air Niugini team.”

Previously, aircraft had to be sent overseas for such maintenance, a costly exercise for Air Niugini.

Air Niugini’s engineer in charge of heavy maintenance, Richard Woolcock, said great team work ensured a great outcome for the airline.

“We appreciate the trust and confidence that has been placed in us by Air Niugini to get the C checks done on shore. All staff involved in the project, from the team on the hangar floor, to the staff in the side shops and the stores personnel, and even the admin staff, have pulled together.”

C checks are the most thorough maintenance checks that can be carried out on an aircraft. Basically, engineers take off every part fitted to the aircraft, and inspect the parts and the aircraft for damage, wear, and corrosion. Where necessary, repairs are done or parts are replaced.

“In future, Air Niugini may consider doing C checks for other PNG-based airlines or other operators in the region. It would be great for Air Niugini and even better for Papua New Guinea,” Milne said. ■

Checklist completed … Air Niugini managing director Alan Milne (centre) with members of the airline’s engineering team responsible for the heavy maintenance check on P2 ANR.