Duma praises airlines’s growth

 AIR Niugini has grown from strength to strength despite the many challenges it faced, Public Enterprises and State Investment Minister William Duma says.

He was addressing guests at the commissioning of the airline’s third Fokker 70 aircraft last week.

The aircraft was named Hoskins in recognition of the importance of West New Britain’s role in the airline’s services.

Duma said despite the challenges faced in the country and in the aviation sector, Air Niugini had always been able to deliver on its commitment to the Government.

He said the decision by the board of Air Niugini to name one of their planes Hoskins was significant as West New Britain had an important role to play in the economic development of the country.

West New Britain Governor  Sasindran Muthuvel said the support of Air Niugini would boost the province’s agriculture and tourism sector.

Air Niugini chairman Sir Frederick Reiher said he was proud of their contribution to national and regional development. 

Sir Frederick said Air Niugini was committed to doing more.

He said that was why they had embarked on its fleet upgrading programme.

He said the acquisition of aircraft such as the Fokker 70 was aimed at improving efficiency.

However, Sir Frederick said support was also needed from the Government to further improve their capacity in delivering their service to the people.