by Fabian Hakalits – EM TV News, Port Moresby
Seeing a bigger aircraft is something that some locals in Hela Province will always cherish.
They have never been to any big town or citiy but are just ordinary Papua New Guineans who love their homeland.
And they do appreciate opportunities available to make a living and also their own little history, a story to be told in the future.
I caught up with two locals at Tari Airport – Waralo Kewara and Peter Langa – at the Tari Airport.
The big bird’s arrival at Tari Airport was new to them because their eyes were used to seeing Dash 8s and other third level aircrafts that operate into this port.
From the aircraft, I spotted the two men, humbly sitting near the terminal, looking really excited.
EMTV approached the two men who had actually secured a spot near the terminal to get a closer look at the new aircraft.
For Kewara it was history in the making. Seeing a big new aircraft was totally new to him, and he was also fascinated by the aircraft’s design.
“When I heard about the new aircrafts arrival, I quickly came to the airport. I was very excited, as a proud man from Hela, to welcome the new ATR aircraft.
“I have never seen such a big aircraft landing in Tari; it was my first time and it’s history to me,” he said.
Peter Langa, who frequents the airport, had already worked out the seating and cargo capacity.
With the bigger aircraft, it will cater for their passengers and baggage often offloaded.
“I am very proud because with the new, bigger aircraft services will now be improved,” he said.
Both men thanked PNG Air for upgrading the fleet and opening routes for locals who wish to travel within the country.
