Aviation minister pushes for more low-cost travel

CIVIL Aviation Minister Alfred Manasseh plans to reduce the cost of air travel during his tenure.
“The aviation industry and the National Airports Corporation need to consult more so that the industry’s plan is known by NAC and the government so that plans can be made to accommodate it in terms of expansion,” Manase said.
“In all of this, we have to be mindful that the cost to traveling passengers is minimised. Sometimes we are all in a rush to try to make money to repay loans and try to raise costs.
“We have to get the costs down and have more Papua New Guineans travel. That’s an area I will be looking into.”
He was welcomed by the staff and management of the NAC during the launching of its 2030 corporate plan last week.
Air Niugini general manger commercial Dominic Kaumu agreed that it was important for the industry to work with NAC.
“I think it is important for us as an industry to be given the necessary information to work with NAC and the government so that we can plan and work together for the benefit of PNG,” Kaumu said.
“At the end of the day, all of us are here for one reason and that is to serve our people. We cannot afford to be working in isolation. There needs to be greater consultation and planning together.”