Morobe Province | June 25, 2025 — By John Varey
In a historic milestone for Papua New Guinea, a 40-year lease agreement was signed today to establish the country’s first dedicated air freight cargo terminal at Nadzab Tomodachi International Airport, signaling a bold leap toward economic transformation.
The groundbreaking deal was signed between Afia PNG CEO Jerry Karl, the Morobe Provincial Government, and the National Airport Corporation (NAC). The cargo terminal will be a state-of-the-art facility designed to handle the storage and global export of Papua New Guinea’s rich agricultural and marine products — a sector long underserved since the country’s independence nearly 50 years ago.
Closing a 50-Year Gap
While PNG has built several passenger terminals over the decades, the absence of a robust and specialized cargo terminal has limited the country’s export capacity. This agreement marks the first concrete step to bridge that critical gap.
“This is not just about cargo; it’s about national transformation. This facility will empower our farmers and fishermen, giving them access to global markets,” said Afia PNG CEO Jerry Karl during the signing ceremony.
The cargo hub will include advanced storage systems for both dry and perishable goods, enabling seamless logistics operations from the country’s remotest corners to the world stage.
Connecting the Rural to the Global
The project isn’t stopping at infrastructure alone. Afia PNG, following the successful shipment of 120 bags of green bean coffee from Nadzab to Dubai, is preparing to launch a fleet of high-powered Caravan aircraft. These planes will fly agricultural and fisheries products from remote provinces directly to Nadzab for processing and export.
The first aircraft is expected to arrive at Port Moresby Jacksons Airport by June 30, 2025, marking the start of a new era of air-based rural supply chain solutions.
Unlocking PNG’s Untapped Wealth
With fertile soil, rich marine life, and thousands of rural producers, PNG holds untapped economic potential. This air cargo initiative aims to unlock that wealth by reducing logistical barriers and ensuring products reach international markets swiftly and efficiently.
“It’s a game-changer,” said a provincial official. “For too long, our people have had the resources but lacked the connection to the market. This changes everything.”
A Vision for Economic Upliftment
More than just a logistical advancement, the Nadzab cargo terminal symbolizes a strategic national vision — one that seeks to empower PNG’s rural majority, promote exports, and strengthen the country’s economic independence.
As construction plans move forward, anticipation builds for the impact this initiative will have not only on trade but on the lives and livelihoods of Papua New Guineans across the nation.
