Pixie missing the boat?
Airlines flying high
AIRLINES Papua New Guinea is set to provide jet services to its customers for the first time in its aviation history when it begins its Boeing 737 jet flights between Port Moresby and Brisbane, Australia, next month. Subject to government regulatory approvals from the departments of Transport and Civil Aviation, Airlines PNG should see its inaugural flight of the Boeing 737 jet on Monday, August 21 2006. The company says immediately upon receipt of regulatory approvals, it will begin advertising the Brisbane services and introductory fares in the media. “Following an extensive route and analysis and feasibility study, Airlines PNG has made a decision to enter the Port Moresby-Brisbane market,” said Airlines PNG managing director Simon Wild when announcing the service yesterday. “This decision was made as a logical next step in the company’s international operations, following commencement our Dash8 services to Cairns late last year.” Mr Wild said the new jet service, which was exhaustively studied in the past three to four months, will be a twice-weekly service on Mondays and Wednesdays, departing Port Moresby at 2pm. “What is unique about our Brisbane services will be that the Boeing aircraft we will be using will feature an all business class seating configuration, with only 60 very roomy and comfortable seats in the cabin. “But we will be selling those seats at discounted economy class prices and yet still providing free meals and bar service included in the price,” said Mr Wild. He said the airline expects to gain financially from the new jet service, but it was also committed to enhancing PNG’s appeal as a tourist destination for the large source Australian market and providing better access to PNG for markets beyond Australia as well. Mr Wild said the airline will be offering competitive airfares and packages to tourists travelling to visit the famous Kokoda Track. Airline PNG boss added that as stakeholders, his company will also work closely with the national carrier – Air Niugini to promote tourism in PNG. Mr Wild said Airlines PNG will not rush into other markets apart from the Australian market and existing contracts with resource developers. Airlines PNG general manager John Fitzgerald said the airline’s Port Moresby-Cairns service started in late 2005 had been successful in stimulating the PNG-Australia market, and had proven there was room for competition on routes between the two countries. “We will initially be providing Brisbane services Monday and Wednesday each week but will look to expanding those services when market forces dictate,” said Mr Fitzgerald. Formerly known as Milne Bay Air or MBA, Airline PNG has a fleet of 20 aircraft ranging from De Havilland Dash8 and Twin Otter and employ more than 700 staff.
daily newspaper. Friday 07th July , 2006
Airlines PNG brings in a Boeing 737
JET SERVICE: Airlines PNG steps into a new era in its short aviation history in Papua New Guinea.
The 100 per cent nationally-owned airline company will now provide a direct jet services between Port Moresby and Brisbane in Australia, apart from its existing Dash 8 services to Cairns.
Pictured above is the airline’s Boeing 737 aircraft leased from Aust Jet Airways which has a configuration of 60 business class seats.
Picture courtesy of
Nice colour shot in today's PosGuria!