Air Niugini

In a statement, ANG says this is in support of the national government’s efforts to mitigate the risks of the spread of COVID-19.

Air Niugini confirmed that temperature checks are being carried out on all passengers prior to every flight and the airline was supplying all passengers with facemasks and hand sanitisers. Health information cards are also provided for passengers to fill in prior to taking a flight.

This statement was made to correct many misconceptions by the general public.

ANG’s inbound international flights only airlift cargo, including Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and other associated medical equipment as so directed by the Government.

“We are not carrying passengers on inbound flights unless they are part of the Government’s efforts and are medical and critical personnel to tackle the coronavirus issues,” stated the airline.

The decision to recommence domestic services follows advice yesterday from the National Government lifting the two-week lockdown period for domestic travel on 06^th April.

Air Niugini is rolling out additional safeguards on all domestic flights to avoid the chance of COVID 19 being carried, and further enhanced requirements in the border provinces of Vanimo, Sandaun Province and Daru in Western Province. This will include heightened security and health checks at these airports. 

“There will be exceptions,” he said. “Passengers will be limited to critical emergency personnel, diplomatic staff, medical experts, and advisers required by Papua New Guinea to maintain our capacity to fight the coronavirus pandemic,” he said. “Essential airline staff will also be allowed to travel so that domestic flights can continue.

“It is not practical to stop inbound flights altogether – to do so would jeopardise the fight against the pandemic and put Papua New Guineans in unacceptable danger.

The profit was announced at the end of the 2019 financial year; a historical turning point for the national airline as they undertook a massive transformation.

Although the operating profit is only K500,000, the achievement is off the back of a loss of K133 million the previous financial year.

This impressive turnaround follows the implementation of significant initiatives including the Higher Altitude program that reviewed the business’ cost control, revenue opportunities, customer service improvements and operations.

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)