AIR Niugini held its first town hall meeting recently to brief staff on the progress of the new Airbus A220’s Entry Into Service (EIS) and communicate new changes and developments in preparation for the arrival of the first aircraft in September, next year. 115 Air Niugini employees attended.
It’s the initiative of the airline’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Gary Seddon, and the Air Niugini Board of Directors, to ensure staff are better informed, engaged, and committed to a transformation program that will improve the performance of the company.
In addressing the staff, Mr Seddon explained that the work by Air Niugini project team responsible for the new aircraft is on schedule with its set milestones, some deliverables are being accomplished ahead of schedule.
And while, this is exciting for the airline, Mr Seddon reiterated the importance of all staff across the business to understand the new changes within Air Niugini, the expectations and also potential barriers. The airline will ensure staff are equipped with the skills and certifications and are ready to embrace change as they work towards receiving the new aircraft.
Mr Seddon said” It’s no longer business as usual, we have a great opportunity to improve air travel for our country. We must look at all aspects of our business and take a proactive and assertive approach, to increase aircraft utilisation, to improve services, to deliver affordable, reliable travel.”
“Work has already started on implementing new systems while some of our current processes and procedures are being changed. This also includes training for pilots, engineers, tech crew, cabin crew and ground staff in all areas of the business in readiness for the new aircraft. Our Air Niugini people will benefit from this investment.” Mr Seddon said
Staff had the opportunity to ask questions directly to the CEO and the management with queries ranging from the current regional fuel availability issues to efforts to improve staff retention.
Air Niugini’s first A220 aircraft is expected to arrive next year September coinciding with Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence anniversary. The A220 is capable of operating across PNG replacing all current Fokker operations. The aircraft is very popular with airlines such as Qantas, Air France and Delta.
