Improving the domestic services of Air Niugini and Kumul Telikom are a priority of the National Government.
Minister for Public Enterprise and State Investments, William Duma, said this when announcing the new managing directors of Air Niugini and Kumul Telikom PNG.
Duma announced the appointments of Alan Milne as MD of Air Niugini, and Paul Hyde as MD for Telikom PNG.
Duma said improving domestic services was a high priority for both organisations.
He stated that both companies were vital mechanisms in the economic growth of the country.
“I feel that with the two gentlemen we now have an opportunity to turn our two companies around. Air Niugini and Kumul Telikom PNG, those two sectors are very important to the economic development of our country. And I feel that with a new Board Chairman for Kumul Telikom Holdings (Andrew Johnston) and Sir Kostas Constantinou (Air Niugini), I think we have the right people to help us turn those companies around.”
Chief Operating Officer, Gary Seddon, said both companies were brands with a long history, and Kumul Consolidated Holdings aims to restore both organisations.
“We want to be able to not only compete but to give the people the sort of services that they deserve and were hoping that these two gentlemen will be able to achieve that for us,” said Seddon.
Alan Milne has 36 years of experience working for Qantas Airways and was head of operations performance for the Qantas Group, until his appointment as Air Niugini MD.
A proven executive manager, Milne holds a Master’s degree in business and technology, a Bachelor’s degree in technology, and is a qualified aircraft maintenance engineer.
Paul Hyde joins Kumul Telikom Holdings with a track record of leading and growing communications companies in countries similar to PNG.
He holds a Master’s degree in business administration (marketing and finance), a Bachelor of Arts Degree (business studies) and engineering diploma in radio engineering.
“I have no doubt Paul will be able to turn our three telcos around, and as you know Cabinet has decided to merge those three telco companies,” stated Duma.
(Minister William Duma)