Captain Bouraga’s last hurrah

Capt Bouraga is wheeled on the tarmac at Jackson's Airport. Picture by AURI EVA

Capt Bouraga's F100 is given the traditional hosing down at Jackson's AirportCapt Bouraga (centre) with old mates Masket Iangalio (left) and Lae MP Bart Philemon. Picture by AURI EVA

By TRAVERTZ MABONE in The National

AIR NIUGINI saw the departure of one of its pioneer Papua New Guinea pilots last Friday.

Captain Aria Bouraga had his “wings clipped” after 40 years of soaring all over PNG and the world like an eagle, 35 of these with Air Niugini, up until last Friday.

In emotional scenes at Jackson airport in Port Moresby, Capt Bouraga was given the traditional soaking, before being wheeled off the tarmac after clocking a proud 23,000 hours of flying time in a brilliant career.

His last hurrah had none better VIP than Governor-General and PNG patriot Sir Paulias Matane while his first officer was his nephew Gari Bouraga.

Capt Bouraga said that he was proud of being able to remain with Air Niugini since its inception in 1973 and encouraged up-and-coming national pilots to take pride in their job and uphold the high personal and professional standards expected of a pilot.

Sir Paulias congratulated Capt Bouraga, saying he was proud of him being one of the first PNG pilots and thanked him for his many years of service.

Pilots’ Union president Capt Mark Storr was also proud of Mr Bouraga as he was “part of the first group of young Papua New Guineans to discover the mystery of flying”.

Capt Bouraga thanked the many pilots who had flown alongside him in his long and distinguished career.

“After 35 years in the air, I finally would like my feet on the ground at my home in Gabagaba village in Rigo, Central province,” he said.