Airline assured help for new planes

PRIME Minister Peter O’Neill has assured Air Niugini of Government’s assistance to replace aging aircraft, after one crashed into the sea in the Federated States of Micronesia two months ago.
It is understood that the national airline had started its re-fleeting exercise some years back.
O’Neill told Parliament last Friday that boards of State-owned entities such as Air Niugini consisted of qualified people.
“They are qualified industry people coming through and there is a high standard,” he said.
“People with 30 to 40 years’ experience are appointed to the board. We trust they will run this airline.
“But we know challenges are still there.
“Board members provide the leadership and guidance, they do not run the technical aspects of our airline. Airlines is a sensitive industry.
“Many of the aircraft we are using are second-hand aircraft. They have aged and we are using them because we do not have enough money to buy bigger aircraft.”
He said Air Niugini had a proud history as a safe operator.
“They are in fact re-fleeting the planes. And the Government has decided to support Air Niugini to re-fleet many of the aging aircraft.
“Despite aging or second-hand aircraft, Air Niugini does not compromise safety.”