Airline praised for new routes, more aircraft

INDEPENDENT Public Business Corporation chairman Dr Thomas Webster has commended Air Niugini for increasing its frequencies, acquiring additional aircraft and opening up new routes.
Speaking at a welcome reception for Air Niugini’s inaugural Boeing 737 flight in Cebu City, Philipines on Monday night, Webster said this was evident in the airline introducing a second destination in the Philippines after Manila.
“Cebu is the second destination in the Philippines after the capital, Manila,” Webster said.
“The commencement of Cebu flights is timely as thereis increase of demand on the Manila flight.
“It also allows for people to travel direct instead of going via Manila.”
Webster said Cebu was a popular tourist destination with a lot of interesting places and history still intact, and Air Niugini could capitalise on this.
“I believe it (Cebu) is one market that Air Niugini can further strategise and look into promoting, apart from the normal business travel,” he said.
“Air Niugini must capitalise on Papua New Guinea as a destination and Cebu as a business and holiday destination.
“It is an opportunity to actually make new arrangements and grow your business through expanding into new and exciting territory.”
Webster commended Air Niugini for working on alternative fares from other airlines to travel between Cebu/Manila and vice-versa.