If this info is correct then that is good news WW. By the Q400, I presume you mean the Dash 8, I have heard that there a few floating around the sandpit and used by VIPS to go into some of the former Soviet Union countries for business and politics quite successfully. Those countries have operating challenges similar to PNG but at 30 degrees colder.
For my money, the Dash 8 is a much better option as the PM and team would be able to serve more destinations in PNG, the support infrastructure for the Dash 8 is already established and it would considerably cheaper. All international flying should be on PX, who could use the revenue.
But then again.... maybe the intent is to actually overfly the main land mass at FL430 enroute to Wewak, or other more illustrious destinations abroad. Mi no save!!