Airline’s sales lift for Port Moresby

AN almost sold- out Easter weekend of Air Niugini flights between Townsville and Port Moresby is being hailed as a sign that the route will be a success.

The direct flights only started on March 31 but Air Niugini regional sales manger Annemarie Rhodes said they had already experienced strong sales on several weekends.

Ms Rhodes said the airline was happy with sales on the Townsville to Port Moresby route.

“On the Easter Monday, we had 55 inbound to Townsville and 69 went back,” she said. “It’s a 70- seater so that’s almost full.”

Ms Rhodes said connections from Port Moresby to Manila were also receiving strong bookings since the start of the service.

“We’ve got a strong Filipino community in Townsville,” she said.

Ms Rhodes said Air Niugini would consider upgrading flights to 100- seat planes if the demand was there.

It comes as Townsville Enterprise and the Townsville Chamber of Commerce prepare to lead a business delegation to PNG next month.

Townsville Enterprise director of policy and investment Michael McMillan said they had already received expressions of interest from businesses in sectors including engineering, mining and export of building supplies.

“We’re looking at upwards of 11 companies at the moment,” he said.

“It’s all about building strong economic and municipal ties between PNG and Townsville.”

Any businesses interested in joining the delegation

should submit an expression of interest to Townsville Enterprise by close of business tomorrow

by emailing tel@ tel. com. au.