Foo plans reunion for ex-PX staff

 AIR Niugini chief executive Simon Foo is organising a reunion dinner for former staff to celebrate the airline’s 40th anniversary next month. 

The dinner will be held at Kokopo on Nov 2 – a day after the flag carrier’s 40th birthday.

Foo realises the need to keep track with Papua New Guineans who had contributed much to the development of the airline and even before its formation by an Act of Parliament on Thursday, Nov 1, 1973.

“It’s important we keep track of former employees and there is a particular way to pay tribute to them – a reunion dinner,’’ Foo told a discussion to plan the dinner and travel requirements for guests in Port Moresby. 

“So this meeting today is to discuss a dinner party at Kokopo on Nov 2 for ex-PX staff who had replied to our invitation to fly into Tokua for the event.”

The talks were attended by Howard Lahari, Gordon Joseph and John Polume – all former Air Niugini staff. 

Foo said the invitation included a discounted return air fare and accommodation for the guests.

Other domestic and international  parties are being planned by the airline staff.

Foo moved from Trans Australian Airlines (TAA) to PX Rabaul, and Ansett Airlines staff who joined him included Gus Kraus, Gordon Lee and Vic Pasco. Foo rose from his lowly start to the heights of chief exective and a historial data saved said that had served in Wewak, Mount Hagen, Cairns, Brisbane and Singapore.

“Since starting my own business back home in Kokopo, I have also spent time on the Air Niugini board prior to my appointment as CEO – a post which I feel very privileged to hold,” he said.