Airlines PNG to start flights to New Ireland

AIRLINES PNG (APNG) will start scheduled passenger services to Lihir, New Ireland, effective of Oct 1, chief commercial officer Paul Abbot says.
Responding to questions sent by The National, he said: “This is not a charter operation and seats will be available to the general public as with all our other scheduled passenger services.”
He said resource sector clients for APNG’s charter service include ExxonMobil PNG Ltd, Anitua and St Barbara (Simberi).
“In addition, we run ad hoc (not contracted) services for other resource clients based on their needs and requirements,” he added.
Airlines PNG first got active in the corporate charter business back in 1987 when it was awarded a long term contract by Chevron Niugini Ltd to provide aviation support services for their Kutubu oil field project.
Recently, the airliner’s representatives visited Lihir Island and held talks with Newcrest workers.
“APNG will commence scheduled passenger services to Lihir effective Oct 1 but this is not a charter operation and seats will be available to the general public as with all our other scheduled passenger services.
“As part of our move to operate to Lihir we met with employees from Newcrest, local businesses and community groups to let them know what was happening,” Abbot said.