Further article from today's PC which gives some clarity and confirms discussions between CG and DJ.
Airlines PNG still talking to Virgin
AIRLINES PNG Limited has advised its shareholders that it has not concluded its agreement with Virgin Blue Airlines Pty Ltd in regards to joint venture arrangements.
The Port Moresby Stock Exchange listed company said in a statement yesterday that shareholders would be advised if and when an agreement was reached and any details relating to such arrangements.
“Airlines of Papua New Guinea Limited has become aware that press announcements have been made by third parties that Airlines PNG and Virgin Blue Airlines Pty Ltd have reached an agreement regarding joint operating arrangements.
“Shareholders are informed that whilst it is correct that Airlines PNG and Virgin Blue are in discussions, no concluded agreement has been reached with Virgin Blue regarding joint venture arrangements,” Airlines PNG said in a statement yesterday.
Virgin Blue public affairs general manager Heather Jeffery said: “It is the case that Virgin Blue is exploring options to expand our operations in this part of the world, including Papua New Guinea either in our own right or in conjunction with partners. We have recently had preliminary discussions with the PNG Government and we are encouraged.
“We have also had discussions with Airlines of PNG.
“When the discussions are satisfactorily concluded we will be in a position to make a further comment. Our current network includes flights to 23 towns and cities within Australia and through our subsidiary airline Pacific Blue we operate international flights to New Zealand, Tonga, Fiji, Vanuatu and The Cook Islands. We also have our very successful airline called Polynesian Blue which is a joint venture with the Government of Samoa.”
Meanwhile, Airlines PNG has announced that the president of the Employers’ Federation of PNG John Jeffery, PNG Teachers Savings and Loan Society chief executive Michael Koisen and Pacific Nominees Limited managing director Paul McLaren have been appointed to the airline’s board of directors.
They will join Airlines PNG managing director John Fitzgerald, construction and hotels chief Kostas Constantinou and non-executive chairman Simon Wild. Mr Jeffery has been appointed chairman of the audit, risk and compliance committee while Mr Constantinou has been appointed chairman of the remuneration and appointments committee.