Link PNG

NASFUND accepts Link PNG offer

In a statement, NASFUND says the decision by the Board of Directors to accept the offer is a purely commercial decision and is in the best interest of the Fund and its members.

NASFUND holds 39.29% of the total shares on issue and is the largest institutional investor in PNG Air.

Since 2008 NASFUND has invested in PNG Air K76 million, comprising of K31 million in equity and K45 million as a loan provided to PNG Air as part of rescue packages given between 2016 and 2017 by the major shareholders.

PX clarifies PNG Air share buy proposal

Air Niugini CEO, Bruce Alabaster, assured that PNG Air will remain a separate corporate entity, maintain its own brand, and that there will not be any job losses.

Alabaster explained these following misconceptions that the proposal was a merger.

Air Niugini CEO, Bruce Alabaster, says the proposal to purchase 40% of NASFUNDs shareholding in PNG Air is just that, and there was no merger.

PNG Air will remain independent: Link PNG

General Manager Alex Kia said: “It is absolutely our intent that PNG shall continue to have two separate airlines, PNG Air and Air Niugini, and that there will continue to be a strong, competitive domestic market with options for travelers.”

Link PNG intends that this will be achieved by means of a joint operating agreement between the airlines, which will ensure PNG Air continues to service its customers under its existing brand and at its own prices. 

Link PNG decision ‘terrible’

It will be a terrible move which will be extremely detrimental to the travelling public of Papua New Guinea as there will be no competition,” said the airline.

“In a monopoly, price of airfares will rise, efficiency will decrease and Link PNG, through its holding company Air Niugini, will have absolute power to dictate to the travelling public how, when and where they will travel in the future.  

Views welcomed on proposed Link PNG merger

ICCC said Link PNG Limited, a subsidiary of Air Niugini Limited, has submitted an application seeking authorisation for its proposed acquisition of up to 60 percent shares in PNG Air Limited.

“Link PNG proposes to firstly acquire 40 percent of the shares in PNG Air owned by National Superannuation Fund Limited (NASFUND); and followed by the acquisitions of shares of minority shareholders,” revealed ICCC.

Link PNG eyes merger with PNG Air

Nasfund’s Board has approved the sale of its shares in PNG Air to Link PNG, subject to Independent Consumer and Competition Commission (ICCC) and other required approvals.

Link PNG aims to strengthen the air network across PNG while ensuring the viability of the country’s second biggest airline at a time when airlines around the world are struggling to survive due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The same offer will be extended to all of PNG Air’s shareholders.

Link PNG gets gold status for fifth year

This worldwide audit program was undertaken by Flight Safety Foundation in December last year which reviewed all of Link PNG’s operational procedures and safety standards to ensure that the airline meets world’s best practice.    

Link PNG General Manager, Bruce Alabaster, said this is not the first time the airline has achieved gold status in BARS, an assurance that Link PNG continues to meet world class safety and security standards.  

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First Q402 aircraft welcomed

The Q402, under registration P2-PXQ, is near new and brings substantial additional capabilities to the Link PNG operation. 

The aircraft operates close to jet speeds and is 30 percent faster than the other turbo-props presently being operated in PNG. On a route such as Port Moresby to Rabaul, the Q402 will only take 1 hour 38 minutes, rather than 2 hours 10 minutes on the other turbo-props. 

Link PNG’s first passenger service to Komo

The flights will initially operate twice a week, every Tuesdays and Thursdays, departing Port Moresby at 10:15am and arriving in Komo at 11:45am. The return flight leaves Komo at 12:10pm, arriving back in Port Moresby by 1:40pm.

All flights will be operated by Link PNG’s 50 seat Dash 8-315 aircraft. 

The inclusion of Komo now brings to total twelve Link PNG destinations.

Tari flights to resume

In a media statement, Air Niugini stated that these flights are planned to continue until the runway is closed, to allow for the National Airports Corporation’s Civil Aviation Development Investment Program, to complete works associated with the runway upgrade.

Tari airport was closed to Link PNG operations late in 2018 due to obstacles such as trees on the take-off area.

Link PNG acknowledged the Hela Provincial Government for its efforts in addressing these issues, which have allowed Link PNG to recommence services.