Aviation Heritage Center opened

Papua New Guinea’s aviation history and relics can now be preserved and displayed at the new Aviation Heritage Centre at the National Museum and Art Gallery in Port Moresby.

Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Stephen Chappell, and Finance Minister for Finance, Thomas Opa officially opened the facility, witnessed by Rear Admiral Philip Polewara, members of the Diplomatic Corp and other dignitaries, yesterday.

The opening of the Aviation Heritage Centre at the PNG Museum coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force Air Transport Wing and the country’s 50th independence anniversary.

This came to reality through the collaboration between the Royal Australian Air Force, the Papua New Guinea Defence Force and the National Museum and Art Gallery who continue to work together to ensure the ongoing conservation, preservation, storage and display of aviation artefacts of mutual interest.

The Centre was constructed following a 2022 directive from former Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Mel Hupfeld, to ensure the provision of appropriate accommodation for historic aircraft of mutual significance between both PNG and Australia.

Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Stephen Chappell says the Aviation Heritage Centre we opened is a gift from the Royal Australian Air Force, the Defence Force and Australia to Papua New Guinea.

“It is a gift of friendship, thank you for being a good friend to us, for always showing up for us and for your mutual respect. "Said Chappell.

Chappell adds the center celebrates our shared history and is a permanent reminder of how we have and continue to serve and fly side by side.

Representing the government, Finance Minister Thomas Opa thanked the Royal Australian Air Force for reorganizing the need to house, preserve and promote PNG’s aviation history.

“Many of these things that we see are the legacy of the Australian Government, the left behind, for PNG during our independence journey. Opa said

“This grant was used to develop the following institutions, the National Museum and Art Gallery to serve as an instrument for preserving and presenting the history and culture of our people.” Opa adds

Board of Trusties President Terence Moka echoes it’s not just an opening of a building but a celebration of PNG’s story, struggles, resilience and achievements as a nation over the years.

“The National Museum and Art Gallery are more than a building; it is one of the public's true national presences. A guardian of our history, a guardian of our traditions and our identity as a people, as a nation” said Moka