A message from Air Niugini’s chairman
As we celebrate Papua New Guinea’s 41 years of Independence we have much to be grateful for as a nation. There is no doubt our nation continues to face many challenges, but I am optimistic about our future in every way. Our economy has been enduring difficult times, largely due to international commodity prices and other factors that are beyond our control.
But we are rich in the resources the world, and especially the rapidly growing nations to our north and west, need. That means we will be better placed than many other developing nations to return to strong economic growth.
The air travel industry is generally more adversely impacted than many other sectors by tough economic conditions, domestically and internationally.
The board and management of Air Niugini have been pro-active in addressing the adverse impact of tough economic conditions on our bottom line.
We have reduced costs across our operations and we have done so without reducing air services to the key domestic centres we service. The successful establishment of our lower-cost subsidiary, Link PNG, has enabled us to protect key services to smaller and more remote communities across PNG.
The aircraft re-fleeting and upgrading program that is now well under way is aimed at ensuring our fleet is as efficient as possible – and maximises passenger comfort and safety.
When the program is completed by 2020, we will have what we believe to be the absolute maximum in efficiency, comfort and service for our domestic and international passengers.
We are also well advanced on our program, strongly supported by the National Government, to make Jacksons Airport in Port Moresby a ‘hub’ for the Pacific islands. This will not just benefit Air Niugini’s regional operations, it will provide even better services and connections for passengers, and open up important tourism and business opportunities for Port Moresby, and all provincial centres.
This month Air Niugini will begin regular air services between Port Moresby and the Federated States of Micronesia.
The commencement of the service will coincide with the 47th Pacific Forum meeting, with Air Niugini being a major carrier for delegations.
There is another response to the challenging economic environment in which Air Niugini has to operate that deserves to be mentioned.
Air Niugini has been fortunate to have an extensive property portfolio, including undeveloped urban land, since the airline was founded just before Independence.
Maintaining a strong property portfolio, and developing it where economically sensible, has been a focus of the board and management for some years.
We will soon see the benefits of this, when the airline’s new residential tower complex is completed by December. It will be occupied principally by our technical air crew and senior employees who are currently being accommodated at hotels and other rented premises at very high costs. It will include facilities for cabin crew emergency training, currently carried out overseas, and for laundry and dry cleaning, which are being contracted out – thereby resulting in a significant cost saving.
The board and management of Air Niugini are currently evaluating a number of other significant opportunities that will help secure the airline’s financial future.
In meeting the challenges and opportunities ahead, we are underpinned by confirmation of our outstanding safety record over 43 years of service to the nation. I am especially proud of the recent extension of our important AOC and MOC operating certificates for another five years by the airlines safety regulator, CASA PNG.
Air Niugini joins with the nation in celebrating 41 years of Independence – and in committing ourselves to helping build our great nation into the future.
Enjoy your flight.