Air Niugini has now taken delivery of four F70 aircrafts, with a fifth to join its fleet in the next month.
This morning, Air Niugini held a naming ceremony, unveiling the name of one of its Fokker 70 aircrafts as “Alotau”.
Chairman of Air Niugini Limited, Sir Frederick Reiher, says these airplanes form a central component of the major re-fleeting and fleet upgrade program that Air Niugini is undertaking.
“When we made decisions on the fleet upgrading program, the number one priority was to service the travel needs of the eight million people of our nation,” Reiher says.
The board of Air Niugini have decided to name the latest addition to its aircraft fleet “Alotau” in recognition of the important contribution Alotau and the Milne Bay Province make to the airline, adds the chairman.
Air Niugini’s service to the Gurney Airport are well supported by the people and businesses of the province, and increasingly by tourists from within Papua New Guinea and overseas who want to experience the outstanding tourism adventures the province offers.
“Air Niugini appreciates that support and we will continue to support the province as it continues to grow and meet the travel needs of the people of Alotau and Milne Bay as a whole,” he states.
On behalf of Air Niugini’s board and management, Reiher thanked the Prime Minister and Ministers who were present. He appreciated the strong support that has been given to the latest fleet upgrading program since Air Niugini was formed 42 years ago.
Papua New Guinea remains very dependent on commercial air services to meet the day-to-day travel needs of its citizens, its businesses and its visitors, including tourists, he says.
Picture courtesy of Dominic Kaumu