Air Niugini advised that the airline will outsource its ticket sales and airport services at selected domestic centres as part of its efforts to streamline operations.
Major domestic ports such as Lae, Mt Hagen and Rabaul will not be affected.
The airline industry around the world is moving towards modern and smarter practices to remain competitive within an ever changing economic and technological environment.
To this end, Air Niugini is also getting on board to embrace a change in the way it conducts its business.
Air Niugini has advertised in the local media and interested parties will undergo a screening and selection process according to set criteria such as proven financial and business capability and the capacity to meet aviation regulatory requirements that meet PNG Civil Aviation and Safety Authority (PNGCASA) standards.
A number of domestic ports serviced by Air Niugini will be outsourced soon through a carefully managed process to ensure a seamless transition.
Chief Executive of Air Niugini, Mr Simon Foo said that he is pleased to announce that Lihir in New Ireland Province was the first port to be handed over to a local company to manage. Kunaye Investment Limited took over the airport and sales operations on Friday 01st May this year.
Kunaye Investment Limited is a reputable company with proven track record in airport operation and has proven its ability to meet all the regulatory requirements by PNGCASA.
Six former employees of Air Niugini who were earlier this year released and paid out under the airline’s retrenchment benefits are now employed by Kunaye Investment Limited; bringing with them many years of experience in the airline industry.
The next port to be outsourced is Bulolo. Preparations are already underway for the change to take place.
Mr Foo also advised that the National Airline Employees Association has been well briefed by management and has been engaged in the process from the outset. Employees affected by the outsourcing exercise are processed appropriately under the terms and conditions of employment.
Air Niugini management would like to acknowledge the co-operation and understanding of the National Airline Employees Association (NAEA) which has assisted immensely towards the outsourcing exercise and where employees have been affected.