Mt Hagen, Western Highlands Province – Veteran aviator and tourism pioneer Sir Bob Bates says his newly released book “Wings Over Wild” accurately captures the story of his life and his decades of contribution to Papua New Guinea.
Sir Bob made the remarks during an interview ahead of the official launch of the book, which was written by his close friend and fellow aviator, Barry Payne.
Payne said he felt it was important to document Sir Bob’s extraordinary service to the country.
Sir Bob said the book reveals his full life journey, describing it as a complete record of his experiences.
“I have no more secrets. He’s told my life story. Everything’s in the book,” Sir Bob said.
He praised Barry for producing a well-written publication and said the descriptions and expressions used throughout the book were outstanding.
“He’s done a wonderful job of writing the book. It is well written… the description of certain events that’s taken place is well written. In fact, it’s outstanding,” he said.
Sir Bob said he is honoured that Prime Minister James Marape is expected to launch the book.
“I’m honoured and humbled by the fact that the Prime Minister would come and launch this book that my friend has written,” he said.
The author Barry Payne said the book was inspired by Sir Bob’s lifelong contribution to aviation and tourism in Papua New Guinea, stating that his friend’s achievements deserved to be recorded for future generations.
“I thought Sir Bob Bates… what he’s contributed to Papua New Guinea was worthy of being written,” Barry said.
Mr Payne said he had encouraged Sir Bob over the years to write his own story, but when that did not happen, he decided to take on the task himself after encouragement from his wife.
“Over the years, I said to Bob on a number of occasions, ‘Bob, you should write your story.’ Well, that never happened. And one day my wife said to me, ‘You need to write Bob’s story.’ And the book Wings Over Wild is the result,” he said.
Mr Payne described Sir Bob as one of the most experienced pilots in the country, saying no one else has spent as many years flying in Papua New Guinea as he has.
“There is nobody else in the world that has spent as many years flying in this country as Bob has,” Barry said.
He said Sir Bob’s aviation and tourism enterprise have played a major role in promoting Papua New Guinea internationally, allowing visitors to experience the country’s natural beauty and culture.
“Without Sir Bob, a lot of people would not have had that privilege and opportunity to set foot in this country and see it with their own eyes,” Barry said.
Sir Bob said his aviation and tourism journey was not without challenges, with logistics being one of the biggest obstacles in developing remote tourism operations.
“One of the biggest problems is the logistics… power, the telephone system, the road network, supplies,” Sir Bob said.
He said aviation has remained essential in supporting tourism across PNG, especially in remote locations where there is no road access.
“A lot of our lodges are located in remote areas. They don’t have road access. They only have air access… we need the aeroplane to make it work,” he said.
Sir Bob also highlighted that aviation has played a central role in the country’s development for decades.
“Papua New Guinea was built by the aeroplane,” he said.
Sir Bob said the book launch is also a special family occasion, with his two sisters travelling from Australia to witness the event.
“I have my two sisters here. They’re both in their eighties. They’ve come up from Australia to witness the launch of the book,” he said.
Mr Payne said he hopes the book will inspire young Papua New Guineans to appreciate the nation’s history and encourage more people to document stories of individuals who have helped build the country.
“Hopefully inspire many Papua New Guinean people to write more about their country… and to record that time, today, for the future,” Barry said.
Meanwhile, Sir Bob Bates is encouraging young Papua New Guineans to pursue their dreams and remain determined, regardless of the profession they choose.
“If Papua New Guineans want it to be or want to do, they should go ahead and do it… whether it be an airline pilot, whether it be a doctor, whether it be a photographer journalist… they should set their heart and just go ahead and do it,” he said.
The book “Wings Over Wild” is expected to be officially launched by Prime Minister Hon. James Marape in Mt Hagen on Sunday at Sir Bob’s Rondon Ridge lodge.
In the book’s foreword, Prime Minister Marape commended Sir Bob for his life- long service to Papua New Guinea, describing his contribution as one that goes beyond aviation.
“Sir Bob Bates’ contribution to Papua New Guinea reaches far beyond aviation. His vision, integrity, and lifelong commitment helped connect communities, build opportunity, and share our country with the world,” writes Prime Minister Marape.
Prime Minister Marape, who passionately calls Sir Bob as one of the many pioneers of tourism and a trail blazer in the development of PNG, will launch the book today, Sunday, 29th March 2026.