Airlines PNG flight attendants get training

 AIRLINES PNG flight attendants are undergoing training in Singapore to prepare for the arrival of the company’s first ATR 72-600 aircraft next month.

The ATR is a state-of-the-art new generation aircraft which offers outstanding comfort, a very quiet cabin, operational flexibility plus outstanding fuel efficiency.

APNG said cabin crew training was a comprehensive course covering emergency procedures, cabin layout and service delivery plus operation of all equipment relating to passenger safety and comfort.

APNG chief executive officer Muralee Siva said:  “This is a major step forward for the airline and for aviation in PNG and we are making sure we do everything to ensure the best possible experience for the people travelling on the new aircraft.

 “Our cabin crew has always provided excellent customer service and I have no doubt that with the ATR they will further lift the level of service for our customers.”

ATR is the largest manufacturer of regional turboprop aircraft in the world, with 1470 orders received since production of the earliest ATR version began in 1981. 

Airlines PNG’s first aircraft was the milestone 1000th aircraft ordered.

Company chairman Murray Woo said the airline would replace all 25-year-old aircraft with brand new aircraft in a bid to make the airline a major force in the domestic aviation market.

Woo said the decision to re-fleet would place the airliner as a major force in the domestic aviation market over the long term.

“We expect to have three brand new ATRs operating by February 2016 and seven by December 2017. After that the plan is to replace all our Dash 8s and become a 100 per cent ATR operator by 2020,” he said. 

“As the airline will be the only one operating the ATR in Papua New Guinea, the board believes it will give the airline a significant competitive advantage into the future,” Woo said. 

Woo announced that the board had taken the decision to rebrand the airline, to reinvigorate its image. 

“Rebranding will reinforce that the airline is offering something new and genuinely improved. 

“A new appearance will emphasise improvements in the airline’s service culture” he said.