Air Niugini Boeing 737 service heading to Manus

AIR Niugini is upgrading selected flights to Momote Airport, Manus, to the larger Boeing 737 aircraft from early next month.
The airline said this following the recent upgrading and restoration work on the runway carried out by the National Airports Corporation (NAC).
The Boeing 737 service will touch down in Manus at 10.35am on April 3.
Thereafter, the B737 aircraft will become a regular sight at Momote Airport.
General manager commercial services Dominic Kaumu said: “By using the B737 to Manus Island, this will allow the Fokker jet aircraft that currently services the route to be used to increase capacity elsewhere.
“Manus is an important destination in Air Niugini’s network, and the Boeing 737 will carry up to 144 passengers per flight (16 business and 128 economy) compared to 101 seats in the Fokker 100.
“This direct B737 service will take one hour and 20 minutes, and will greatly assist in meeting demand while offering the fastest, smoothes and most comfortable flights for our customers.
“Once the pandemic is over, and overseas business and leisure passengers return, the Boeing 737 will be a popular choice for travelers to Manus Island.
“Manus Island is one of the more remote provinces of Papua New Guinea and the Boeing 737 will carry more freight than the Fokker aircraft currently used.
“This will assist with uplifting essential supplies and equipment into Manus Island, and, potentially, marine produce and other freight from Momote to Port Moresby and overseas.
“We are delighted to be able to provide the greater capacity and reliability of services that our customers deserve.” Air Niugini continues to operate with strict health and safety measures in place including temperature
testing of all passengers and providing face masks and hand sanitiser to ensure safe air travel.