Aircraft named after ‘Rabaul’

F100 Air Niugini has named one of its Fokker 100 aircraft ‘Rabaul’, following on from another F100 that has been named ‘City of Lae’ and F70s that have been named ‘Mt Hagen’, ‘Hoskins’ and ‘Alotau’.

Air Niugini chairman Sir Frederick Reiher said at the naming ceremony that the name ‘Rabaul’ is in recognition of the significant contribution made by East New Britain towards the airline’s domestic routes.

Air Niugini currently operates 48 flights a week between Rabaul and Port Moresby, Kavieng, Buka, Kieta, Lihir, Hoskins and Lae.

“Through the national hub in Port Moresby, Air Niugini connects Rabaul to 55 international flights a week in each direction. These flights cover 13 destinations in Asia, Australia and the Pacific.”

Sir Frederick also said that East New Britain, and its capital Rabaul, have been nominated by the National Government under its four pillars of national economic development plan as the tourism hub for the country, and therefore it is fitting to have the provincial capital’s name on one of its aircraft.

Sir Frederick, Air Niugini chief executive officer, Simon Foo, Rabaul MP Dr Allan Marat and ENB governor Ereman ToBaining Junior (pictured above) conducted the naming ceremony during a heavy downpour in Rabaul.

Meanwhile, Link PNG is planning new services between Rabaul and Jacquinot Bay this year. ■