A message from Air Niugini’s managing director

I’m delighted to confirm two new international services for Air Niugini: direct flights from Port Moresby to Nadi in Fiji commence this month, while we are also taking bookings for flights from Cairns to Hong Kong via Port Moresby.

As of October, flying with Air Niugini will be the fastest way to get from Far North Queensland to Hong Kong, both for passengers and airfreight.

Air Niugini is, of course, proudly owned by Papua New Guineans. Recently, Kumul Consolidated Holdings (KCH) released figures on the performance of PNG’s state-owned enterprises, including your national airline.

After two years of losses, the figures show the airline has started 2019 in profit.

The KCH report states: “The results of the first quarter of 2019 demonstrate a significant turnaround for Air Niugini, driven by a management restructure, cancellation of loss-making international sectors and a focus on operating efficiency and staff productivity.”

What this indicates is that our Higher Altitudes transformation program, started at the end of 2018, is beginning to bear fruit. If you encounter any member of Air Niugini on a Friday, including myself, you’ll see us wearing

special Higher Altitudes polo shirts. Wearing these shirts reminds us not only that we’re all part of one team, but also that everyone in Air Niugini can make a difference.

A more efficient and productive Air Niugini will be able to deliver better and more reliable services to you, our valued customers, and be in the best position to make the investments we need to ensure those services continue in the future. Investments in new aircraft are a key part of that future. Eagle-eyed customers will have noticed the recent visit of a Brazilian-made Embraer E195–E2 aircraft to Port Moresby. The visit was made at our request, as we are currently evaluating the Embraer – and other aircraft – as we look to upgrade our Fokker fleet.

Our fleet replacement program aims to ensure the airline is operating not only the most efficient, cost effective and reliable aeroplanes, but also aircraft that deliver the premium Air Niugini customer experience.

Finally, I want to take this opportunity to thank all the Air Niugini staff involved in taking the 167 athletes and officials of Team PNG to the Pacific Games in Apia, Samoa, in July. Congratulations to all the athletes on their achievements as well.

Alan Milne Managing Director