Planes to service all ports

 By GYNNIE KERO

AIRLINES PNG (APNG) will operate its new aircraft to many of its existing ports across the country as  a way of introduction, chief commercial officer Paul Abbot says.

He was referring to the six aircraft to be leased from a reputable international leasing company in France starting next September.

Without disclosing the price tag, Abbot said the first ATR-72 aircraft would arrive direct from the factory in Toulouse, France, next September.

“The ATR-72 aircraft is very different from the DHC-8 aircraft, the airline presently operates. 

“While they still have the same great capability to operate into the short and often unsealed aerodromes that characterise many of the airports in PNG, they can carry twice as many passengers, and more than twice the amount of freight.  

“Additionally the aircraft are brand new, with this the airline (APNG) can be assured of great on time performance, and safety capabilities normally only found in the largest and newest of the big jets.   

“The ATR’s will be configured with a business class section which will allow our guests a level of service on selected domestic flights that to date has not been available to them.  

 “Initially we plan to operate the new aircraft to as many of our existing ports as possible in order to introduce the new aircraft to our customers throughout PNG.”