More than 15,000 people have turned out in Port Moresby as the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) Air Transport Wing hosted a static aircraft show to mark the country’s 50th anniversary of independence.

The event featured multiple fixed-wing and rotor-wing aircraft, including the PNGDF’s own PAC 750, giving aviation enthusiasts and curious onlookers a rare chance to see military aircraft up close.

The Royal Australian Air Force contributed to the display with a C-130J Hercules, a C-27J Spartan and a KA350 King Air – aircraft that had earlier entertained crowds during the Ela Beach Air Show on September 6.

Among the dignitaries in attendance were PNG Secretary of Defence Hari John Akipe, PNGDF Commanding Officer Air Transport Wing Lieutenant Colonel Douglas Vavar and Director of Air Operations Lieutenant Colonel Nancy Wii.

The ADF is contributing personnel and assets to the 50th anniversary of independence celebrations, which will run until mid-September, at the invitation of the PNG government under Operation Wantaim.

'We deeply appreciate being invited to participate and share in such a significant national milestone for the people of Papua New Guinea.'

Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Stephen Chappell and Commander 1st (Australian) Division Major General Ash Collingburn also attended. 

Air Marshal Chappell said he was honoured to take part in the celebrations for one of Australia’s closest Pacific partners. 

“I’m excited to be able to visit Papua New Guinea on such a momentous occasion for their country and I’m proud to see so many RAAF personnel and assets supporting the events of PNGDF Week,” Air Marshal Chappell said.

“We deeply appreciate being invited to participate and share in such a significant national milestone for the people of Papua New Guinea.

“It was also a privilege to see our sailors, soldiers, aviators and APS coming together as an integrated force, and combine with their PNGDF, NZDF [New Zealand Defence Force] and other partner forces under the PNGDF JTF-50 [Joint Taskforce 50]. 

“A special shout out to the commander of PNGDF TF50 – Colonel Duncan George – for the phenomenal work planning and executing all the activities which make up PNGDF Week and the upcoming PNG 50th independence celebrations.”