Looks like it is getting a bit political up there at the moment.
East Sepik Governor Sir Michael Somare is calling on Air Niugini to ground all its flights and immediately sort out the pilots’ salary crisis.
The founding prime minister is still not satisfied with State Enterprise Minister Ben Micah ‘ s explanation in parliament this week.
He says Minister Micah has lied to parliament and the people of Papua New Guinea.
Grand Chief Somare is concerned saying he has learnt that Air Niugini lied to the International Civil Aviation Organization who are responsible for air traffic control and flight path clearance.
He further said that on the 7th of February ANG submitted to ICAO a flight plan for the Narita and Lae route and actually the flight landed in Port Moresby.
Sir Michael is also calling on the Civil Aviation Authority to step in as the matter regarding shortage of pilots is not only a domestic issue but also an international safety issue.
He says since the resignation of over 40 pilots, domestic flights have been cancelled or reschedule due to pilot and crew issues.
Sir Michael claims flight PX011 from Manila on Monday required pilots to sign on for work at 10:25pm PNG time and arrive at 5:00am PNG time and then rest for 10 hours and are expected to fly to Cebu at 5:30pm Tuesday afternoon.
“Pilots may meet the rules and requirements” but what about fatigue and tiredness? What would be the pilots’ level of concentration in an emergency situation? Is that not a safety issue?” He questioned.
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Micah tells lies on Air Niugini: Somare | PNG Loop | PNG online news and classifieds