Aviation review eyed

By GYNNIE KERO
AIR Niugini chairman Sir Frederick Reiher has urged the Government for a review of the country’s aviation sector.
Speaking at the opening of the airline’s K100 million staff complex in Port Moresby on Wednesday, Sir Frederick said: “I would encourage the Government to seriously look at a wide-ranging and independent review of the aviation sector.
“Rationalisation is now not just timely but essential. Air Niugini will contribute positively and constructively to any review, which we believe will improve efficiency in delivery of our services in more-remote areas, and reduce a financial burden on the national economy.
“The public will be the ultimate beneficiaries from such a review.”
Sir Frederick said Air Niugini was well into its re-fleeting programme and already had six out of nine Fokker F70 aircraft to meet domestic and regional services.
He said the airline would receive new Boeing 737MAX aircraft in 2020 and 2021.
“We will soon make an important decision on the eventual replacement of our flagship Boeing 767s,” he said. “These are costly but necessary steps.”
We could not be taking them without the full support of our shareholder – the national Government.”