A message from Air Niugini’s chairman
As I write, our newly elected 10th National Parliament has met for the first time and has undertaken its most important constitutional duty – the election of the prime minister.
The board and management of Air Niugini congratulate Peter O’Neill on his re-election as prime minister and wish him and his ministers every success in the five-year term of this parliament.
The prime minister has always given the board of Air Niugini strong support. That support has been invaluable during a period of significant change, as the airline has sought to work more efficiently and has expanded services home and abroad in a difficult economic environment.
The support of the National Government will continue to be invaluable as we implement our largest fleet upgrade, and improve service to passengers, and our business and commercial partners.
Perhaps the most important support Air Niugini has received from the National Government has been the upgrading and redevelopment of major provincial airports. The work has included modern terminal facilities, improved navigational aids, airstrip expansion and resealing.
The result of this significant investment has given Port Moresby a modern, comfortable and passenger-friendly international airport that is enabling Air Niugini to achieve its goal of developing Jacksons Airport as a regional ‘hub’ for the Pacific Islands.
The redevelopment of other airport terminals – notably Nadzab (Lae), Mount Hagen and Hoskins – has ensured our busiest regional airports have the most modern facilities. Concurrent with this, Air Niugini is also investing in business class lounges at key airports. New lounges have opened at Mount Hagen, Lae and Hoskins.
The upgrading of Vanimo and Goroka airports will soon be completed and, over the next 18 months to two years, major work will be undertaken at Momote (Manus), Mount Hagen, Mendi, Gurney (Alotau), Kavieng, Buka, Madang and Wewak airports.
These airports will be partially closed during construction, possibly causing some inconvenience, but the improvements will eventually benefit passengers.
Modernising airport terminals, and runways and navigation, is costly – and Air Niugini is grateful to the National Government for implementing the largest airport infrastructure program in Papua New Guinea’s history. In tandem with this investment, Air Niugini has been modernising its fleet. The airline has taken delivery of nine Fokker 70 aircraft, connecting Port Moresby with our regional capitals of Lae, Mount Hagen and Rabaul. These aircraft are also serving our growing Pacific network, connecting Port Moresby with Cairns, Townsville, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji and the Federated States of Micronesia.
The development of our international operations remains an important project, and in the next few years our aircraft fleet will be significantly upgraded with four new Boeing 737-MAX aircraft.
Our modernisation program is not confined to aircraft and terminals. In October, the switch to the Sabre Solutions Passenger Service System will be completed. This will deliver the most modern and reliable e-commerce service available. It will include efficient online booking, more competitive fare choices, as well as improved customer service options.
While our focus is on servicing our major destinations, as the national airline we are not neglecting the air travel needs of the people of PNG living in more remote and distant communities. This is principally delivered through our subsidiary airline, Link PNG. Since its inception, just under three years ago as a low-cost and no-frills airline, Link PNG has enjoyed strong passenger and community support.
Air Niugini has a proud record of supporting community service by subsidising unprofitable routes. Maintaining these services depends on Air Niugini operating with maximum efficiency – and with continued passenger and business customer support.
We are appreciative of your support and, of course, the National Government’s support. Working together, we will continue to provide a high quality, efficient and safe service.
Enjoy your flight.