The re-fleeting of Air Niugini is a massive step forward by the Marape Government, which had not been done before by previous governments, says State Enterprises Minister William Duma.
He was speaking at the arrival ceremony for Air Niugini’s new Airbus A220, dubbed “People’s Balus”, at the APEC Terminal, Jacksons Airport, Port Moresby, this morning.
Mr Duma told dignitaries and guests, including Prime Minister James Marape, that this was the first time in Air Niugini’s 52-year history that the airline had acquired brand-new jet aircraft.
“The arrival of the People’s Balus is a symbol of progress, a statement of confidence, and a promise of better things to come for our National airline,” Minister Duma said.
“The future of Air Niugini is strong as we move from the past era of flight to the new world of a much more capable fleet.
“These new Airbus A220s will make money for Air Niugini provided we employ smart pilots, smart air crew, smart engineers, smart ground staff, smart sales agents, and functioning airports ready to accommodate the new planes, during the next 10 to 20 years.
“We are building a new airline within an existing airline under this Marape Government,” Mr Duma said.
He added that training for the first crew and staff that who would operate the A220 was completed and they were are ready to transition to the new aircraft.
“Today, we not only receive this great new aircraft, but we usher in a new era of growth and efficiency for our National Flag Carrier, Air Niugini Limited,” Mr Duma said,
“This day has been long in coming, and has taken a lot of sheer hard work and patience for everyone involved. The fruit of this labour stands before us today in the People’s Balus. This is the first of the 11 Airbus planes that will join the Air Niugini fleet.
“Two more will arrive before the end of this year, and the rest will be delivered so that we can properly phase out the current fleet.
Minister Duma also hailed the new A220 aircraft as the “perfect fit” for Papua New Guinea.
“These are not second-hand, but aircraft built specifically for us — for Papua New Guinea, for our flying conditions, for our people, and for our future,” he said.
“By investing in these new aircraft, we are investing in our people’s mobility, in trade and business, in tourism, and in travel for family reunions and education.
“The A220 is the perfect fit for Papua New Guinea. This first Airbus A220 is the beginning of a new chapter. It is a modern aircraft well suited for both our domestic and international routes.
“Aside from being more efficient than the existing fleet, the A220 will give an even better flying experience for passengers.
“It is more spacious, quieter, has wider seats, larger windows, bigger overhead storage, and in-flight WiFi enabling passengers to stay connected with their work, their friends and their families whilst they travel.
“It is not just a passenger aircraft, it is also a freight aircraft that will also service the needs of small and big businesses around the country.
“Together, Air Niugini, Kumul Consolidated Holdings and. the National © Airports Corporation are working to certify each airport that the A220 will service,” Minister Duma said.