Air Niugini

In a statement, Air Niugini says this is due to the current runway upgrade by the National Airports Corporation (NAC) which commenced on Monday 24^th February.

“The runway upgrade was initially planned to take place on March 9^th, 2020, however following heavy rains, the works commenced earlier than the initial set date.

Air Niugini Managing Director, Alan Milne during the signing of the agreement on Tuesday 18^th February said the negotiations and discussions were based on tough, prevailing economic circumstances which not only had an impact on Air Niugini, however also other airlines in the region.

Mr Milne said improvements to staff travel and cargo rebates are additional privileges granted as a token of the management’s appreciation and recognition to all staff who continue to show commitment and loyalty.

“The airline has instituted a wide range of measures to minimise the risk to the nation, and is constantly monitoring international developments to make sure its precautions are up to date and effective,” he said.

“The Ministry of State Enterprises, Kumul Consolidated Holdings and Air Niugini are liaising with other departments and agencies in the Marape Government’s fight against coronavirus (the key agency is the National Department of Health). This is a whole-of-Government exercise, and we are sparing no effort or expense to ensure the safety of Papua New Guineans.”

In a statement issued this afternoon, the airline will uplift students studying in any provinces of China, except for those from Wuhan city or Hubei Province.

However, students must go through full health screening and quarantine checks carried out at respective airports in China and Hong Kong.

Further checks and monitoring will be carried out by health and quarantine authorities upon arrival in Port Moresby.

This was the message from Air Niugini general manager - commercial services, Dominic Kaumu.

“As of last night, based on advice from the Health Department, Air Niugini has instructed its offices in Hong Kong, Manila and Singapore,” said Kaumu.

“Further, passengers are encouraged to use the quarantine setups in these airports. The airline will do further risk assessment tomorrow on the virus.”

More updates to follow. 

(Loop file picture of the Jackson’s International Airport)

The airline’s managing director, Alan Milne, said on Tuesday the four 737 MAX jets were ordered in 2014, and the airline had originally been due to receive its first aircraft later this year.

“This delay will give the airline more time to complete a broader review of its fleet plans, including a future replacement type for its smaller Fokker regional jets. This will then determine if the MAX is still appropriate for Air Niugini, or whether other Boeing products would better suit as a replacement for the airline’s existing Fokker, Boeing 737 and 767 aircraft types,” he stated.

These devastating fires have so far burned over 17 million acres of land, killed at least 25 people, half a billion animals and destroyed millions of dollars’ worth of properties.

The airline’s response is in support of the PNG Government’s offer to provide firefighters and Defence Force soldiers to combat the spread of fires, and adds to relief efforts being currently coordinated by the Australian Defence Force.

In an update issued by Solomon Islands Ministry of Health on January 2, 2020, PNG was added as one of the measles “affected” countries, along with New Zealand.

The original list of affected countries comprised American Samoa, Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, Australia and the Philippines.

The Ministry of Health advised that it is mandatory to fill in a Traveller Health Declaration Card before entering the Solomon Islands.

The advertisement, which uses the Air Niugini logo and a fake email account airniuginihumanresorce@gmail.com, is false as the national airline is not aware of this.

“We appeal to the public to disregard this advertisement as it is not from Air Niugini and we strongly advise the public to be wary of such false information,” stated the airline.

“Furthermore, Air Niugini will not be liable for any commitments made by anyone in response to this advertisement.

This will cater for the high number of passengers traveling during this time.

Air Niugini services to Mt Hagen were downgraded to Dash 8 aircraft in June 2019 to cater for maintenance work on the airport by the National Airports Corporation (NAC).

The Fokker flights resumed on Sunday, 15th December, 2019, and will continue until 31^st January, 2020, when the peak period ends.

After January, the service will return to Dash 8 aircraft to allow NAC to complete upgrading the airport.

Air Niugini operates a daily service to Mt Hagen.