By ORCHY REX
UPNG JOURNALISM STUDENT
ALL international passengers travelling out of Port Moresby International Terminal will now have easy access to move in and out of the planes during this peak period.
This follows the official commissioning of two aerobridges by the National Airports Corporation (NAC) yesterday.
The commissioning ceremony was witnessed by NAC staff as well as representatives from Air Niugini and Qantas.
NAC Managing Director, Mr Rex Kiponge who officiated the commissioning ceremony said the commissioning is timely and he is expecting more customers to travel in and out of the country during this Christmas period.
He said the two aerobridges were out of service since 2020 due to faultiness but there are now being maintained and operational to cater for the increasing international flights and passenger movements.
“For more than three years, the international airport has been operating with only one aerobridge when these twos were down with technical issues, however, it was through the technical engineers from New Zealand engaged by NAC got the two aerobridges functional,” Kiponge said.
He said passengers have been allowed to walk up the stairs before getting into the plane.
“And for me sitting in the office; I felt that it was not right to turn a blind eye but to get the other two aerobridges fixed,” Mr Kiponge said.
Kiponge further explained that he was a bit embarrassed when he saw Governor General Sir Bob Dadae and his wife walking down the stairs when they returned from their recent official duties in England.
“That caught my attention so I went and told my management that we need to fix these two aerobridges.”
Mr Kiponge thanked all his technical team and NAC management for working overtime and to get the job done.
Kiponge also announced that NAC has ordered another new aerobridge from New Zealand and the Jacksons International Airport should have four aerobridges operating by 2024.
He said the maintenance of the two aerobridges together with the new one cost about K4.5 million.
On behalf of Qantas Airlines and Air Nuigini and their representatives, Kiponge thanked NAC for the job well done in putting up the much-needed aerobridges and are looking forward to seeing the customer’s exciting experience.
Meanwhile, Mr Kiponge said NAC is still struggling with COVID-19 but he assured everyone that it does not stop him and his management from delivering their mandated operational requirements.
“Despite what’s happening externally, me and my management are here to do our job and we will continue to deliver responsibly;” he said.
