Ok Tedi Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Kedi Ilimbit has confirmed the successful airlift of 41 tonnes of emergency relief supplies to Tabubil in support of drought-affected communities in the North Fly District of Western Province.
This assistance forms part of the K15 million allocated to Western Province from the K50 million El Niño Relief Fund announced by Ok Tedi to assist provinces across Papua New Guinea affected by the prolonged drought.
On October 24th, 2026, Ok Tedi facilitated the transportation of 14 tonnes of relief supplies using its chartered Lynden Hercules cargo aircraft. A further 14 tonnes were airlifted on Sunday, 25th October 2026, bringing the total delivered to 38 tonnes from the initial 50-tonne allocation designated for air transportation. The remaining balance was transported to Tabubil this morning, bringing the total volume delivered to 41 tonnes.
Ok Tedi is supporting the transportation of critical relief supplies as communities across Western Province continue to experience the impacts of the El Niño-induced drought.
Mr Ilimbit said the company remains committed to supporting affected communities during this challenging period.
“As a Western Province-based company that has also been affected by the El Niño conditions, we recognize the hardships faced by many communities and we are committed to supporting relief efforts wherever we can.
“By making our chartered Hercules aircraft available, we are helping to ensure essential supplies reach those who need them most,” Mr. Ilimbit said.
While supporting relief efforts, Ok Tedi continues to ensure its operations are conducted safely and efficiently.
The chartered Hercules aircraft is normally used to transport operational supplies between Port Moresby and Tabubil. Ok Tedi has extended the use of the aircraft to assist in delivering vital relief supplies to communities impacted by the drought.
Ok Tedi pledges to continue working closely with government agencies and key stakeholders to support ongoing relief efforts across Western Province.
