AUTONOMOUS Region of Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama has welcomed the Bougainville Wings Limited (BWL) aircraft which he says is the start of the Bougainville’s aviation industry expansion.
“The aviation industry in Bougainville has long awaited progress and we are looking forward to expanding this significant beginning,” he said.
Toroama said the BWL was a joint venture between the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) and Outback Aviation, with the ABG holding a 70 per cent majority share through the Bougainville Public Investment Corporation Ltd.
Toroama reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring the success of the carrier.
“Under my leadership and the Department of Commerce, Trade, Industry and Economic Development, we are committed to making sure that Bougainville Wings is well established and to bring revenue to the ABG government, as intended,” he said.
Toroama said that the BWL was expected to play a key role in supporting the Bougainville 2052 Vision by improving connectivity in the region, particularly for remote communities such as Nissan, Buin, Torokina and the Atolls.
The event was attended by Commerce, Trade, Industry and Economic Development Minister Robin Wilson, BWL chairman Sylvester Kenatsi, Department of Economic Development secretary and other guests.
Wilson emphasised the transition from planning to implementation.
“We are no longer planning, we are operating,” he said.
“Bougainville Wings successfully secured its certificate of airworthiness from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority of PNG on Dec 20, 2025.
“As a joint venture, Bougainville holds a 70 per cent share, while the remaining 30 per cent is held by industry partners.”
