MAF in Papua New Guinea (PNG) – like every other air service operator in the country – is currently facing a critical JetA1 (aviation fuel) shortage, posing a significant challenge to our ability to serve the remote communities. For the last two years PNG’s only aviation fuel supplier, Puma Energy, has been experiencing financial difficulties and in mid-February advised they cannot continue supplying fuel to the wider aviation industry and once current stocks are exhausted their operation will close. Their actions led to a country-wide disruption in fuel supply resulting in MAF strategically reducing its flight operations and prioritizing high-impact and emergency missions to extend our operational capabilities for as long as possible. As of the beginning of March, MAF has 6-8 weeks of fuel left in PNG, and urgent measures are being taken to manage the situation. As there seems no short-term solution to the current JetA1 fuel shortage, MAF initiated efforts to secure alternative fuel sources. The most viable option was to purchase fuel drums from New Zealand, incurring double the cost compared to local prices. This poses another challenge on our operation, resulting in the implementation of a fuel surcharge on top of our normal seat fares and charter prices, valid as of Monday 11th March 2024. “We recognize that this will place an extra financial burden on our customers, particularly those in the remote communities. MAF is doing everything possible to minimize the effects of this and are looking at all options to source cheaper fuel,” assures Brad Venter, General Manager Aviation for MAF in PNG. MAF hopes for a swift and cost-effective and long-term resolution to the fuel crisis. Should the fuel situation in the country stabilize and the fuel prices return to their previous levels, this fuel surcharge will be removed. The country wide fuel shortage is compounded by broader issues affecting PNG, including a vote of no confidence against the current prime minister due to recent unrest and riots. Additionally, tribal clashes in the Enga province and the kidnapping of an Australian helicopter pilot and two telecommunication contractors highlight the heightened security risks in the region. MAF is diligently implementing contingency plans to minimize disruptions, including a reduction in flying hours, prioritizing critical flights, and optimizing routes maximising capacity. MAF is still committed to provide medical evacuations, transport health and educational supplies and personnel in and out of isolated villages in PNG. While confident in it’s response, MAF in PNG requests prayers: – for a sustainable resolution to the crisis – for a fast and sustainable resolution to the country’s fuel shortage; and – for the people of PNG affected by it, particularly for those in the remote communities who rely on MAF’s air service. THANK YOU.