Air Niugini will commence its new air services between Port Moresby and Townsville in North Queensland, effective, March 31, 2017.
The launching will be just in time for the NRL season and will also benefit the Central and North Queensland business communities who can now better access PNG and other Pacific and Asian cities through connecting flights at Jackson’s airport in Port Moresby.
These direct services will operate every Monday and Friday, departing Port Moresby at 09:55am and arriving in Townsville at 11:45am.
The return flight will depart Townsville at 12:30pm and arrives in Port Moresby at 2:20pm.
Air Niugini Chief Executive Officer, Simon Foo said Townsville already enjoys strong business and cultural links with PNG through its “sister city” relationship with Port Moresby.
He said Air Niugini has evaluated and engaged in extensive discussions with the Townsville Airport owners and operators, the Mayor of Townsville, and the Townsville Enterprise and local political and business leaders.
“This new service will open up important business, educational, sporting and people-to-people links.”
Foo was impressed with the tremendous support for this service as exhibited by the Townsville business community and encourages the PNG business community to look at this opportunity as well.
“This service has the potential to be an important addition to our regional “hub”.
“It will offer the citizens of Townsville and other centres such as Mackay and Mt Isa the efficient international “connection” they don’t currently have – transiting here before traveling to our major Asian centres such as Manila, Singapore and Hong Kong as well as Honiara, Nadi, Port Vila , Pohnpei and Chuuk in the Pacific.”
Air Niugini has several fare levels for POM/Townsville return, starting from K1175.80 which is available on the internet and K1,271.80 at the sales offices. Tickets can be purchased now for travel from 31st March onwards.