The National Airports Corporation (NAC) is pleased to announce that nine of its staff members are currently participating in a Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) and specialized mechanical training program for three new Airport Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) vehicles procured for Papua New Guinea’s aviation sector. The program is being conducted by Oshkosh Airport Products in Neenah, Wisconsin, United States, from 19 to 23 October 2026.
The visit is supported through the Transport Sector Support Program 3 (TSSP3), an Australian Government-funded initiative that has partnered with NAC in the procurement of the three new ARFF vehicles as well as other operational and institutional strengthening initiatives for NAC, valued at K38 million over a 4-year period.
The training and FAT activities form an essential component of the procurement process for the ARFF vehicles and ensure that they meet NAC’s operational requirements before shipment to PNG.
Three senior NAC personnel are participating in the FAT which provides NAC with the opportunity to inspect and verify that the ARFF vehicles have been manufactured in accordance with agreed specifications and performance requirements prior to delivery.
The remaining six are the next generation of young technical personnel who are undertaking the specialized mechanical training. This factory-based mechanical training equips NAC’s technical workforce with the knowledge and practical skills required to maintain and support the vehicles throughout their operational life. NAC Acting Managing Director & CEO said the initiative represents an important investment in operational readiness, aviation safety, and workforce capability development.
“The acquisition of these modern ARFF vehicles and the specialized training provided to our staff demonstrate NAC’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of airport safety across PNG. By ensuring our personnel are directly involved in both the acceptance testing and technical training processes, we are building local capability to effectively operate and maintain these critical assets for many years to come.”
The knowledge and skills gained through the program will directly strengthen ARFF capabilities and support NAC’s ongoing efforts to enhance emergency response readiness and aviation safety at airports throughout Papua New Guinea. Two of these ARFF vehicles are expected to be delivered to the NAC before the end of this year while the remaining vehicle will be delivered in Q1 of 2027. NAC acknowledges the support of TSSP3 and the Australian Government in facilitating the procurement of the 3 ARFF Vehicles including the important training and capacity-building initiative.
Approved for release.
Dominic Kaumu, ML OBE
Acting Managing Director & CEO