Commuters by air were overjoyed since Tuesday 29th January, with the first scheduled flight conducted to Aitape, Lumi, Wewak and Vanimo.

Dove Air, a mission run airline service provided by the Catholic Diocese of Vanimo, landed its Cesnar 206 on Aitape airstrip, Tuesday morning to the welcome of smiles and many encouraging words by the Bishop of Aitape, Bishop Austen crapp ofm, and Managing Director of Aitape Foundation Limited (AFL), Maran Nateleo.

Bishop Austen, Mr. Nateleo along with former member for Aitape-Lumi Egbert Yalu wer among the small anxious crowd that had gathered to welcome the plane.

Captain Kevin Shorthouse a long-serving volunteer in PNG and pilot of the Cesnar 206 plane, said that he was glad to be back in Aitape and assisting in providing the needed service to the people.

"Although there's been a deteriorating situation with aviation awareness bot in the airline service and on the ground, Aitape airstrip is an asset to the town and the people and therefore, we hope to re-establish services to the area again," said Captain Shorthouse.

He added that the air-services were a vital need in the area, especially for mission work, health and education.

According to Mr. Nateleo, Dove Air will be providing flights for two days, every week on Monday and Tuesday, from Vanimo to Aitape, Lumi, Nuku and Wewak.

Mr. Nateleo also acknowledged the commitment made by Aitape Chamber of Commerce for the up-keep of the airstrip and other ground maintenance.