Airlines PNG starts Tari-Pom flights

 By GYNNIE KERO

PEOPLE in Tari, Hela, have welcomed the decision by Airlines PNG to start direct flights to and from Port Moresby three times a week.

Former Tari town mayor George Tagobe said it would give Air Niugini some competition on the route and offer lower fares.

Air Niugini charges K1,005 one way from Port Moresby to Tari. 

Airlines PNG will charge K729. 

Tagobe said from Tari yesterday that the new service would benefit people travelling in and out of Hela.

He said flights to the province were always full and passengers were often “offloaded” because of lack of seats.

“Air Niugini currently has the monopoly in the passenger service between Port Moresby and Tari and charges about K1,005 for one way. 

“I am happy that with APNG’s cheaper fare of K729 most will be able to travel and not get offloaded at the airport,” he said.

APNG chief executive officer Muralee Siva said the flights to Tari would start on May 1, operating three days a week.

“There has been strong demand for APNG to commence this operation and we are pleased to be able to enhance our service with this new route,” he said. 

The flights will be on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.