Extra flights to Australia

Air Niugini is increasing the number of flights between Papua New Guinea and Australia. The airline’s chief executive officer, Simon Foo, says the extra flights will take effect from October 30, following changes to a codeshare agreement between Air Niugini and Qantas. “With this change, Air Niugini will continue to offer a double-daily service to Brisbane, one of which will be operated by the airline’s wide-body Boeing 767 aircraft. The second service will be operated by a Qantas Boeing 737 aircraft. There will be two flights per day in each direction.

“Air Niugini also plans to increase its direct services to Sydney (pictured) from two to three flights per week.”

He says the airline’s services to Cairns on the Fokker 70 jet aircraft will also increase. Air Niugini will operate at least two flights a day in each direction, with larger aircraft on some departures.

“Under the revised codeshare arrangements, Air Niugini will be able to place its ‘PX’ code on Qantas-operated flights from Brisbane and Sydney to Melbourne and Perth, allowing its passengers to make seamless connections to these cities and to have access to a wider choice of through fares and tickets than is currently available.”

Air Niugini and Qantas have agreed to continue codesharing across all three routes between PNG and Australia, subject to regulatory approval. ■