With 42 years of operation in the country, the national flag carrier Air Niugini continues to serve the people of PNG and abroad.
Not only has Air Niugini provided a massive boost to trade and tourism over the years, but it has also helped bring diverse local communities together – creating a more unified nation.
With the recent introduction of the Fokker 70 aeroplanes, Air Niugini has also determined to boost the tourism industry in the country.
The first inaugural flight for the F70 aeroplane was to Mt Hagen in March 2015.
After that the F70 also did its maiden flights to Hoskins in West New Britain province and Cairns in Australia.
A week later after its maiden flight to Hoskins, Air Niugini’s F70 made its first commercial flight to Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.
The flight opens doors to other Melanesian Spearhead Group countries to invest and grow their entities within the region.
The National Government is doing its best with the limited funding budgeted in 2015 for tourism to support the industry.
And one of its pillars to boost the tourism zone is the hub concept initiative of Brisbane's direct flight into Hagen and Alotau which was approved by cabinet early last year.
In support of this concept, Air Niugini will be introducing seasonal flights from Australia to Gurney in Milne Bay in 2016.
Air Niugini will also add an additional flight to its schedule to Japan starting this year (2016).
The second Port Moresby to Narita flight will start on 6th July 2016; currently the state owned airline flies once a week to Japan.
The company has also embarked on a program to enhance its role as a leader in aviation and transport in general in the Pacific region with the strategy to consistently ensure PNG strengthened and broadened its leadership role in the region.
Air Niugini commenced operations on Nov 1, 1973 when the first Fokker F27 Friendship lifted off Jacksons Airport on a flight to Lae, Rabaul and Kieta.
Air Niugini so far operates to 25 domestic routes and 11 international destinations in Australia, Asia and the Pacific
Chief Executive Officer Simon Foo described Air Niugini as a bird with so many wings.
“Beautiful, rugged and steeped in a rich history, Papua New Guinea is like no other place on earth. Since its inception in 1973, Air Niugini has made it possible to experience the best that this breath-taking country has to offer.
“We can show you the spectacular Highlands regions, take you down the mighty Sepik River and into the coastal villages that remain virtually unexplored. More than 7 million people call Papua New Guinea home, yet there are more than 850 tribes on this island nation with over 800 languages spoken here.
“Air Niugini is proud to welcome you to Papua New Guinea where truly incredible adventures await you – ones that you will never forget.”