Air Niugini names Fokker-100 Rabaul

The National Business

By MARK HAIHUIE
PEOPLE of East New Britain celebrated the naming of one of Air Niugini’s Fokker-100 aircraft Rabaul to mark the national airline’s 43rd anniversary in Kokopo.
Governor Ereman Tobaining was proud of the recognition of the province by Air Niugini.
“It is a honor and privilege on behalf of the people of East New Britain, the national leaders, the provincial leaders and the administration to welcome the chairman and your board members to our beautiful province and the naming of the aircraft after Rabaul,” Tobaining said.
Tobaining said it coincided with the declaration of Kokopo as a city, something which would greatly enhance its image as a tourism hub.
He said discussions on Kokopo becoming a city began in 2004. Now its declaration as city has allowed for the upgrading of Tokua as an international airport.
The celebrations included an Air Niugini Open Day last Saturday at Vunapope to inform the public on opportunities available with Air Niugini.
Air Niugini general manager, customers and markets, Dominic Kaumu said they also shared with the people information on the airline’s operations.
“What we are doing is bringing Air Niugini to the provinces and showcasing not only what we do but also giving students an opportunity to talk to our people and understand what we do at Air Niugini and see what opportunities are available with us,” Kaumu said.
“At Air Niugini, we employ just over 2000 people and there are opportunities that may be available. So with this expo we are primarily going out and getting the young people to understand what is going on at Air Niugini.
“We had the open day in Mount Hagen last year and before that in Lae, and the year before that in Port Moresby.
“We have the cabin crew, the tech crew which are the pilots, the cargo team, human resource and our commercial team as well.
“It’s about public awareness as well. We welcome members of the public to come and talk to Air Niugini, understand a bit more about the airline’s operations or any other enquiries.”