China flights get green light

Air Niugini is planning the introduction of direct air services between Papua New Guinea and China, following the recent signing of an historic air-services agreement.

The chairman of Air Niugini, Sir Frederick Reiher, says the air services agreement will enable the airline to introduce seasonal charters between Port Moresby and Shanghai during the Chinese New Year celebrations early in 2017, and for other holiday periods next year.

“It is our intention to introduce regular services from late 2017,” he says.

Sir Frederick says the signing of the agreement paves the way for tourist travel to grow rapidly from China to PNG.

“When the Prime Minister (Peter O’Neill) met with President Xi Jinping in Beijing, President Xi said his government would promote Papua New Guinea as a destination for China’s rapidly growing tourist numbers.

“Air Niugini believes Papua New Guinea will become a major tourist destination for Chinese citizens – with China last year having the fastest-growing number of tourists travelling overseas, compared to any other country.” ■