Adventist Aviation Services (AAS) celebrated its 60th year of serving Papua New Guinea on October 30 in Goroka, Eastern Highlands with various activities.
The celebration began with students, aviation workers, friends and families spending time at the AAS hangar finding out more about the company’s operation.
They were informed about services provided by the maintenance and engineering, pilot and dispatch teams.
Eight children had the honour of riding on a plane around Goroka town and its vicinity when their names were drawn from a raffle.
The anniversary dinner in the evening brought together families, church leadership and other stakeholders to reflect on the company’s achievements and celebrate with a meal.
PNGUM secretary Pastor Leonard Sumatau while congratulating AAS explained the union’s vision for 2021-2025 and challenged the company to grow its operations.
“AAS has a vision. We want you to grow in those areas. Let us be leaders in the space that we are in. Depend on God and He will take you there,” Pastor Sumatau said.
AAS board chairman Dr Ken Boone paid homage to workers who had served across 60 years.
Dr Boone said the company’s operation was affected by COVID-19 but he was thankful that many workers stood firm and continued their duties.
“AAS has done tremendously in moving people,” Dr Boone said.
AAS chief executive officer Captain Mark Neah thanked staff, families, aviation partners and the church for celebrating the airline’s 60th year of operation in PNG.
He also urged staff to continue their service to the country.
“Let’s take up the challenge and keep moving forward. AAS has faced challenges and was on the brink of sending operations.
“We had external challenges such as fuel and buying parts from overseas due to the foreign exchange rates.
“We will be able to come out stronger next year and the years after that,” Captain Neah said.
AAS began operating in PNG on June 30, 1964, when a Cesna 180 was bought in America, shipped to Sydney, Australia and flown to PNG. It supports the church in serving the people of PNG by providing emergency medical needs, health and education services and commercial charters among others.
