PNG Air welcomes third ATR 72-600 to its fleet

PNG Air has welcomed a third brand new ATR 72-600 aircraft, P2-ATB, into its fleet.

The aircraft completed its ferry flight from the ATR factory in Toulouse France and touched down at Port Moresby’s Jacksons International Airport in the early hours of Sunday morning.

The ferry flight was conducted by PNG Air pilots under the command of Captain Adam Loughrey.

PNG Air’s Chairman Murray Woo said “This new aircraft is part of our ongoing commitment to refleeting the airline with brand new aircraft better suited to meet the future demands of the PNG market.

By the end of 2016 we will have 5 new ATR’s serving our network and supporting the development of PNG”

“With the arrival of this aircraft we will launch a new commercial schedule on 25 April, with more flights and capacity into ports such as Wewak, Goroka and Vanimo.

We will also use the ATR to operate services into Buka and will begin operations to Kieta (Aropa), with links between those two ports.”

“As previously announced, we are working to launch services to Jayapura (Indonesia) which will open up a new international route to our closest neighbour.

These are exciting and challenging times for the airline and PNG as a whole and we are committed to playing a key part in the economic and social development of the country,” added Mr Woo.