Sir Frederick Reiher

PM O’Neill was in high spirits as he led the PNG delegation on the first ever direct flight from Port Moresby to Townsville, Australia, via Air Niugini, on Friday.

Air Niugini made its inaugural flight direct from Port Moresby into Townsville, and this direct service will provide the opportunity for convenient travel among business and educational opportunities, says the Prime Minister.

“About two years ago I visited Townsville, I made that commitment to try and encourage Air Niugini to fly here,” said the PM.

Chairman of the board Sir Frederick Reiher when commending staff and stakeholders of the 43rd anniversary in Rabaul, said when industries such as mining, Oil and gas construction slow, Air Niugini will be impacted seriously.

"I want to be frank and upfront about this. These are tough and challenging times for Air Niugini.

"Passenger numbers, especially on most of our domestic routes are down, well down.

"That is despite the fact that we have not increased fares, and have sought to offer as many concessional fares for families as possible," he said.

State owned airline, Air Niugini has spread its wings to the Federated States of Micronesia with an inaugural flight last week.  

Air Niugini chairman Sir Frederick Reiher, led a delegation comprising director Sir Noel Levi, CEO Simon Foo and general manager commercials Dominic Kaumu to Pohnpei for discussions with the FSM Government and the Chamber of Commerce during its inaugural flight.

A new residential complex will be built just adjacent to its head office, which is hoped to deliver significant cost savings. It will accommodate the rotating flight crew and contract staff, both foreign and national, who are currently being accommodated at hotels and costly rented premises.

Chairman of Air Niugini Limited Sir Frederick Reiher says this will enable Air Niugini to bring “in house” at a considerable saving to the airline, industrial laundry and dry cleaning services, which have been outsourced for many years.

Foo has been appointed as the new chairman of the Association of South Pacific Airlines (ASPA) following a unanimous decision reached at the 33^rd annual general meeting(AGM) held in Kokopo, East New Britain last week

Sir Frederick said Foo brought to the leadership of ASPA over 40 years of experience in the airline industry and the tourism sector.

“At a very challenging time of the airline industry, you have chosen well.  Before his appointment as CEO of Air Niugini , Simon had served over 9 consecutive years as board director and as deputy chairman.