AIR NIUGINI TO REPLACE AIRBUS WITH BOEING 767
PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea
(June 27, 2002 - The National/PINA Nius Online)
---Air Niugini is concluding arrangements to return its Airbus
A310 and lease a Boeing 767-300 aircraft for its international services.
The Boeing 767-300 is expected to begin commercial services on July 19.
Air Niugini chairman Sir Michael Bromley said yesterday that the new plane would provide the national flag carrier with an opportunity to increase revenue and lower the company's international operations costs.
This would help secure the company's long-term financial viability, he said.
The development follows the recent departure of Air Niugini's chief
executive Peter Roberts amid reports that Papua New Guinea's national airline last year experienced a K 36 million (US$ 9,352,800) loss.
Sir Michael said 11 flight attendants and air crew from Papua New Guinea had been selected and are undergoing Boeing 767-300 flight training in Auckland.
Sir Michael said Air New Zealand would provide maintenance and
logistical support for the aircraft while Air Niugini gears up for the
new operation.
Following months of exhaustive financial, operational and commercial evaluation, the Air Niugini board recommended to the Privatization Commission that the company terminate the A310 lease and replace the aircraft with a more modern Boeing aircraft.
Sir Michael said Air New Zealand and Air Niugini personnel would jointly man the aircraft while the training of Air Niugini flight and cabin crews continued in Auckland.
The chairman said Air Niugini had been able to take advantage of
favorable market conditions for aircraft leasing to secure very
competitive lease terms and conditions.
The A310, which Air Niugini has operated since 1989, will be returned to America where it will undergo cargo configuration and return to service with Federal Express.
Sir Michael noted the huge workload and pressures on Air Niugini
management and support staff involved in the exit of the A310 and introduction of the B767.
Air Niugini operates international services to Brisbane and Cairns
(Australia), Honiara (Solomon Islands), Manila (Philippines), Singapore, and Tokyo (Japan).
The Boeing 767 will fly to Brisbane, Manila, Singapore and Tokyo.
On completion of the introduction of the Boeing 767, airline management will take a close look at the re-fleeting of domestic operations.
Directors recently approved the replacement of two F28-1000 aircraft with larger, more modern F28-4000s.
The management will now be required to present recommendations on long term fleet plans for the PNG domestic market by September 30.