AMA Temporarily Suspends Services Following Pilot Shooting in Balinggama

All activities, including office operations, have been temporarily suspended as this represents the deepest mourning for AMA, which has operated in Papua for 67 years, according to Bob Kayadu. AMA Director Bob Kayadu stated that the suspension of services from 6-13 July was due to the entire AMA family grieving the loss of pilot Nicholas Gosselin, who was killed in an attack by an armed criminal group in Balinggama on Thursday (2/7). Kayadu emphasised that the attack on the aircraft and crew was unprecedented, as AMA planes have never transported Indonesian military (TNI), police personnel, or members of armed criminal groups. The body of Pilot Nicholas was flown to Jakarta on Friday (3/7), and the United States Embassy will arrange for its repatriation. AMA currently operates seven Pilatus Porter and Caravan aircraft with 16 pilots.