MAMA Foundation’s first helicopter with winch capabilities takes flight

After a period of maintenance and administrative procedures, the Mountain Area Medical Airlift (MAMA) Foundation’s helicopter, operated by Manolos Aviation in Papua New Guinea, commenced operations on 29 January 2025.

The BK117 B-2 helicopter, registered as P2-COP, completed its inaugural commercial flight that day and its first medical evacuation on 10 February 2025, airlifting a seven-year-old boy with a skull fracture from Etep Rural Hospital in Tewai-Siassi to ANGAU Hospital in Lae.

P2-COP is a multi-purpose aircraft capable of passenger transport (up to nine passengers), sling-load operations, and medevac missions. Its winch capability enables search and rescue (SAR) operations, especially in maritime environments and areas inaccessible by landing, allowing medical personnel to be deployed for patient retrieval in difficult terrain.

The helicopter, formerly registered as VH-VCB and operated by Orange Helicopters in New South Wales, Australia, arrived in Lae on 5 August 2024. However, its operation was delayed due to customs clearance and regulatory approvals.

“The helicopter wasn’t flying since its arrival in Lae because of a few delays,” explained Jurgen Ruh, Director of the MAMA Foundation and CEO of Manolos Aviation. “But I am happy that we got all the paperwork right and the helicopter was able to fly.”

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority of Papua New Guinea (CASA PNG) issued the aircraft’s certificate of registration on 20 December 2024, followed by the certificate of airworthiness on 23 January 2025, and the operations specifications on 28 January. These certifications cleared the way for operations to begin.

The MAMA Foundation's acquisition of P2-COP is expected to greatly improve medical airlift services and bolster crucial transport options for remote and mountainous regions and islands throughout Papua New Guinea.

Manolos Aviation previously added a Bell 222 to its fleet.