Presidential visit
Peter Christian, the president of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), visited Port Moresby recently and met with the heads of Air Niugini and the National Airports Corporation.
They discussed several issues relating to the airline industry, including Air Niugini’s new flights to Pohnpei and Chuuk in FSM.
The president acknowledged Air Niugini for providing the service between FSM and Port Moresby and confirmed his government’s support. “We are extremely happy with this new service and my government will continue to work with Air Niugini to ensure the route is sustainable.”
Air Niugini chief executive officer, Simon Foo, says demand for the Port Moresby– FSM route is increasing and that the airline will continue to work closely with the FSM government, business community and the tourism sector to ensure the new service grows to the next level.
National Airports Corporation acting managing director, Richard Yopo, says the recent upgrade at Jacksons International airport provides an alternative gateway between the Pacific, Australia and Asia. PNG, as a nation and a good neighbour, will do all it can to facilitate and increase flights to other Pacific islands out of Port Moresby, making it easier for passengers to transfer between the major centres of the Pacific, Australia and Asia, he says. ■
See our story on page 50, ‘Graveyard of ships, planes’, about diving in Chuuk Lagoon in FSM.
We are extremely happy with this new service (to Micronesia) and my government will continue to work with Air Niugini to ensure the route is sustainable.