The Government of Papua New Guinea has transferred ownership of its executive jet, Falcon 900EX P2-ANW (msn 218), to the country's flag carrier Air Niugini (PX, Port Moresby), Prime Minister James Marape announced via his Facebook profile.

The business jet was bought for almost USD50 million in 2008 and was operated on the state's behalf by Air Niugini. The arrangement was loss-making for both parties with the government accruing over PGK30 million kina (USD8.7 million) in debt to Air Niugini over the last 12 years.

"I am getting rid of this bird from government books to Air Niugini for them to make business off from it. I have used it 5 times since I took office and I will stop now and take commercial flights unless it’s urgent, then we will pay for use of it just like any normal plane hire," Marape announced.

Former PM Peter O'Neill said that he tried to sell the aircraft in 2011-2012 but the best offers received would have netted only around USD20 million and were therefore deemed too low.

Marape added that the aircraft will now be owned by Air Niugini, which does not operate any executive aircraft at present.

"We will try and retain it if possible to allow for executive charter operations including when required by the Government. Whether we do that under a sale and leaseback arrangement or whether we add it to our fleet is still under review," Air Niugini Managing Director Alan Milne told ch-aviation.