Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has welcomed the continued expansion and modernisation of Papua New Guinea’s aviation sector following a visit to the ATR aircraft manufacturing facility in Toulouse, France, where he met with ATR Chief Executive Officer Ms Nathalie Tarnaud Laude and Chief Commercial Officer Mr Alexis Vidal.
Prime Minister Marape visited the ATR factory on Thursday, May 21, 2026, where he witnessed firsthand two of three ATR aircraft currently being built for Western Province landowners. The first of the three aircraft flew out of the factory on Wednesday, marking another important milestone for Papua New Guinea’s aviation industry and local participation in major aviation investments.
The aircraft will be owned by Western Province landowners and managed and operated by PNG Air as part of the airline’s expanding ATR fleet operations in Papua New Guinea.
The Prime Minister was accompanied during the visit by Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC) Managing Director Mr Augustine Mano, State Negotiating Team Chairman Dairi Vele, East New Britain Governor Hon. Michael Marum, Rabaul MP Dr Allan Marat, and Papua New Guinea’s Ambassador to Belgium and the European Union, His Excellency Joseph Varo.
Prime Minister Marape acknowledged the important role played by MRDC in supporting landowner participation and investment in major national economic sectors, including aviation and resource-linked infrastructure.
“MRDC has continued to play an important role in ensuring resource benefits are translated into long-term investments that create economic opportunities for our people,” Prime Minister Marape said.
“The involvement of Western Province landowners in the acquisition of these aircraft reflects a growing level of sophistication and confidence in Papua New Guinea’s indigenous participation in major industries.”
During the visit, Prime Minister Marape toured the ATR production facility and observed the assembly process of ATR aircraft designed specifically for regional aviation operations in geographically-challenging environments such as Papua New Guinea.
ATR (Avions de Transport Régional) is one of the world’s leading regional aircraft manufacturers and was established in 1981 as a joint venture between Airbus of France and Leonardo of Italy. ATR aircraft are globally recognised for their fuel efficiency, reliability, lower operating costs, and ability to operate into shorter and more remote airstrips, making them ideally suited for Papua New Guinea’s rugged terrain and dispersed communities.
Prime Minister Marape noted that PNG Air has become one of the largest ATR operators in the South Pacific region following the introduction of the ATR fleet into Papua New Guinea in 2015 as part of a major fleet modernisation programme. PNG Air currently operates 10 ATR 72-600 aircraft and plans to progressively expand its ATR fleet to approximately 18 aircraft comprising both ATR 72-600 and ATR 42-600 models. 
He said the ATR fleet had transformed PNG Air’s operations by improving passenger capacity, fuel efficiency, operational reliability, environmental performance, and national connectivity, while also supporting the mining, petroleum, tourism, and government sectors throughout Papua New Guinea. 
The Prime Minister also held discussions with Ms Tarnaud Laude and Mr Vidal on regional aviation, fleet modernisation, aviation connectivity, and opportunities for continued cooperation between ATR and Papua New Guinea’s aviation sector.
“Papua New Guinea is one of the most geographically-challenging countries in the world, and aviation remains a lifeline service for our people, businesses, government services, and the broader economy,” Prime Minister Marape said.
“It was inspiring to witness firsthand the production of aircraft that will soon operate in our country and support our people. 
“To see Papua New Guinea landowner interests directly involved in such major aviation investments reflects the growing maturity and confidence of our economy.”
“As we celebrate 50 years of independence, we must continue investing in modern infrastructure that supports economic growth, national unity, and improved accessibility for our people.
“The aviation sector is critical to Papua New Guinea because many parts of our country remain inaccessible by road. Reliable air services are essential for commerce, tourism, healthcare, education, government services, and the movement of people and goods.”
Prime Minister Marape also welcomed PNG Air’s broader fleet renewal programme, including the introduction of the ATR 42-600 aircraft, which are particularly suited to smaller and operationally-constrained regional airports throughout Papua New Guinea.
He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to supporting aviation growth, airport infrastructure development, and stronger transport connectivity across the country.
“The continued expansion of Papua New Guinea’s aviation capability is essential to unlocking economic opportunities and improving the quality of life for our people,” Prime Minister Marape said.
“We commend PNG Air, MRDC, Western Province landowners, ATR, and all partners involved in investing in the future of Papua New Guinea’s aviation sector.”