A message from Air Niugini’s chairman
Air Niugini welcomes the very significant funding by the National Government for the redevelopment of Port Moresby’s Jacksons Airport, with a large proportion of the funds having been spent already on providing the nation’s capital with world-class airport facilities.
The next stage will connect the international and domestic terminal buildings, and that will help Air Niugini provide passengers with more efficient transfers between domestic and international flights. I commend the vision and foresight shown by the Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill, and his government for the upgrading of Jacksons airport to an international standard that will provide incoming and outgoing passengers with a much better customer experience.
The redevelopment, when completed, will enable Air Niugini to fully deliver on the commitment to making Port Moresby the link, or hub, to the major airports and markets in Asia and beyond. Our service to Hong Kong has been extended from two to three a week, and we now operate 14 flights each week to destinations in the region – Hong Kong, Singapore, Manila, Denpasar and Narita.
Our services now provide convenient connections to mainland China, northeast Asia, North America and Europe. Flights from Hong Kong enable same day journeys to Honiara, Nadi, Cairns and Brisbane, all connecting via Port Moresby. Port Vila, in Vanuatu, will be added later this year.
The full development of Port Moresby as the regional hub won’t just benefit Air Niugini and its passengers. It will also benefit the economy of the nation’s capital, and the nation as a whole. As we prepare to celebrate 40 years of Independence in September, we can regard a modern and efficient international airport as one of our significant achievements.
In July this year, Port Moresby will welcome an influx of passengers – athletes and visitors arriving for the Pacific Games. And, in 2018, Papua New Guinea will host the APEC Summit, which will bring many visitors to our shores. The redeveloped airport will help ensure the additional demand is fully met.
Air Niugini continues to invest in the training of its engineers. Recently, four cadet engineers commenced studies at the Air New Zealand Aviation Institute in Christchurch under the Air Niugini Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Cadet Scheme.
The four-year program aims to develop young engineers into becoming licensed aircraft maintenance engineers by utilising overseas training with Air New Zealand. Currently Air Niugini has 38 cadets, including six women, training under the scheme in New Zealand.
We welcome our visitors to our shores and wish you a pleasant experience in Papua New Guinea. To our valued customers, thank you for your continued patronage and we trust you will enjoy your inflight journey with the Bird of Paradise service.