Additional Medevac Aircraft to strengthen Life-Saving reach
- pr0899
- Jul 23
- 2 min read
Mountain Area Medical Airlift Foundation’s additional BK117 “Dokta Boi” finally took to the skies, after receiving its Certificate of Airworthiness from CASA PNG in June 2025.
The helicopter which arrived in PNG in a shipping container back in January 2024, took the best of its time, as Manolos engineers and apprentice engineers at the Ulaveo heliport in Kokopo, East New Britain, put their hands together to install the pieces.
The helicopter is a MBB Bk117B-1, formerly registered as D-HSAT, and was operated by Landespolizei (German Local Police) in Germany.
“I always thought of having a helicopter from my country of origin to serve in PNG,” says director of MAMA Foundation and CEO of Manolos Aviation, Jurgen Ruh.
“The helicopter is proudly registered as P2-LAW to keep it’s actual German origins,” Ruh said.
According to Manolos commercial and compliance manager Nellie Tumai;
“This milestone is part of our commitment to upgrading our fleet to meet evolving global standards for helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS). This BK117 brings enhanced reliability, safety, and cabin space required to support advanced, in-flight medical care for critical patients.”
”Originally flown by the German Police, the aircraft bore the "Emergency Doctor" marking. In its new life serving the remote communities of PNG, it now proudly carries the title “Dokta Boi” - an expression symbolizing the presence of a doctor and/or nurse(s) on board every medevac flight. This ensures that urgent medical actions can be performed in the air, while patients are transported to the nearest urban hospitals,” Tumai said.
The helicopter was flown from Ulaveo to Lae on 27th June, to mark the beginning of its operations. The pilot in command was Ruh himself (click on link below to watch full video).
Since June 2025, P2-LAW has successfully conducted six medevac missions, and over a dozen of flights to some of the remotest areas of PNG.
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