After a 1965 survey of needs, MAF’s work in Bougainville began in 1966, contributing to the ministry of local churches as well as carrying building materials for schools, government clinics and hospital aid posts.

MAF pilot Harold Morton pioneered and led the operation in Bougainville.

In 1971, the operation had grown to three Cessna 185 aircraft and became its own entity, Bougainville Air Services, based at Buka and also later at Kieta.

The operation added a 10-seat Britten-Norman Islander in October 1971, enabling scheduled services for the communities in the region, with a second Islander purchased in 1973.

Harold Morton historical image
MAF Archive
MAF Pilot Harold Morton

In 1974, the provincial government of Bougainville purchased Bougainville Air Services, with operations continuing under local pilot Isaiah Moroko. MAF staff stayed on until 1975 to manage the transition.

By 1976, the efficient operation had been handed over, the last MAF staff had departed, and the operation had become wholly government owned. Bougainville Air Services carried on vital services facilitating continued development until it faced financial challenges in the lead up to the most difficult chapter in Bougainville’s history.

Then, when the crisis came in 1988, everything stopped, including Bougainville Air Services. 

From 1988 to 1998, the people of Bougainville suffered through the most violent conflict in the Pacific region since the Second World War. A large proportion of the population was displaced and between 15,000 to 20,000 people died as a result of the conflict. 

Set-up phase becomes emergency Bougainville
Aquila Matit
MAF in Bougainville during the 2025 Cyclone Maila emergency response

After repeated invitations from key people including Rev Abraham Toroi, former Bishop of the United Church in Bougainville, MAF returned to Bougainville in 2025. 

After initially serving the people of the Autonomous Region with Bible resources, communications and solar technologies, in 2026 MAF provided a disaster response to the Tropical Cyclone Maila.

Local people, particularly those who remember MAF as ‘their own’ plane from days gone by, were struck by the presence of MAF, saying “Balus bilong mipela (our aeroplane) has come back!”

In the words of Rev Toroi, “MAF is not just any commercial plane or whatever, it is a missionary plane with a mission to do in Bougainville.”

MAF in Bougainville is now established and serving the people of Bougainville by providing aviation and technology services.