Australia has partnered with Samaritan Aviation to improve access to lifesaving health care and practical support for remote communities across Papua New Guinea.

Under the new partnership, Australia will support Samaritan Aviation’s work in some of the country’s most isolated areas, enabling communities to access essential services, including emergency medical care, medical supplies and disaster relief assistance.

Australia and Papua New Guinea share a longstanding partnership focused on improving lives and strengthening access to essential services. Australia’s support for Samaritan Aviation reflects a shared commitment to practical, community-focused solutions that help people living in remote areas access health care, emergency assistance and other vital services.

Samaritan Aviation uses seaplanes to provide emergency medical flights and deliver medical supplies to communities in East Sepik and Gulf Provinces, where rivers are often the main transport routes, meaning travel to hospitals can take several days.

The aircraft can land directly on waterways, reducing dangerous journeys to much shorter emergency flights.

Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Samaritan Aviation, Mark Palm, said Australia’s support will help Samaritan Aviation keep PNG’s most remote communities connected.

“Our planes are a vital lifeline. Australia’s support helps us keep flying to reach the furthest corners of PNG, providing essential services and saving lives.”

This new initiative with Samaritan Aviation builds on the Australian Government’s existing partnerships with Adventist Aviation Services and Mission Aviation Fellowship PNG, reflecting Australia’s strong commitment to supporting these essential services across the country.