Link PNG: Airlines’ competition will continue

Business

LINK PNG says its bid to acquire an interest in PNG Air, will have the transaction based on PNG Air remaining as a stand-alone airline that will price and sell its own tickets separately from Air Niugini.
General manager Alex Kia said: “It is absolutely our intent that PNG shall continue to have two separate airlines, PNG Air and Air Niugini, and that there will continue to be a strong, competitive domestic market with options for travellers.”
Kia said Link PNG’s intention was that this would be achieved by means of a joint operating agreement between the airlines, which would ensure PNG Air continue to service its customers under its existing brand and at its own prices.
“Cabin crew, sales staff and check-in staff will remain in PNG Air uniforms, and PNG Air’s aircraft will remain in PNG Air livery,” he said.
“PNG Air and Link PNG will have separate sales and marketing functions, while still achieving the operational cost savings that will enable a stronger and more dynamic airline industry in PNG over the longer term.
“We believe there is a compelling case for creating a stronger, stand-alone PNG Air, across a wider network, as well as ensuring job security, and certainty for the travelling public.
“We will also ensure the savings created will be passed back onto our customers.”
Kia said the joint operating arrangements would allow aviation to survive the Covid-19, and emerge from the other side as an even larger contributor to PNG’s economic growth and living standards by driving lower airfares and achieving sustainability.
Meanwhile, Link PNG requires all regulatory and shareholder approvals, including from Independent Consumer and Competition Commission (ICCC), before the joint venture is finalised.