By GINNAH MINI
Airbus is focused on building long-term partnerships with its customers, rather than simply completing aircraft sales, according to Airbus Chief Representative for Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, Stephen Forshaw.
Speaking at the 5th European Union–Papua New Guinea Business Forum at the Hilton Hotel in Port Moresby, Mr Forshaw said Airbus has taken a long-term approach in supporting Air Niugini’s major fleet renewal programme aimed at strengthening domestic and international connectivity.
“When we started talking with Air Niugini about their fleet transition requirements, we brought a long-term focus to what we seek to achieve,” Mr Forshaw said.
“It was not about a sales contract; it was about building a deep partnership that could last 40 years because when you buy an aircraft, you don’t buy it for just a few years—it’s a long-term commitment.”
Mr Forshaw said Air Niugini, as a relatively small airline, requires additional support during the introduction of new aircraft such as the A220, and ensuring the right infrastructure is in place is critical to a successful transition.
“One of the things we’ve been engaging with the company on is how to develop the human resources needed to support the aircraft, including engineering capabilities, flight operations, safety and security, and other support services,” he said.
He added that Airbus, as a European aerospace company, is committed to bringing its expertise to support customers in Papua New Guinea and across the Pacific region.
“We know what a significant commitment it was for Air Niugini to purchase Airbus aircraft, and we take great pride in delivering on our commitment to support them,” he said.
Mr Forshaw noted that fleet transitions take time, requiring the gradual introduction of new aircraft, the retirement of older fleets, and the upskilling of staff.
He said aviation connectivity is about building an entire ecosystem through partnerships with financiers, ground service providers, vendors, airports and regulators.
Mr Forshaw assured Air Niugini that Airbus would continue to support its engagement with industry partners, stressing that the company values relationships over transactions.
The forum also heard that aviation connectivity plays a vital role in Papua New Guinea, a geographically dispersed nation, by linking businesses, communities and people, particularly in remote areas.