China Southern Airline ticks PNG as its next arrival destination
China’s largest airline has spread its wings to Papua New Guinea.
The first direct flight by China Southern Airlines' to Port Moresby’s Jacksons International Airport arrived Wednesday morning.
Minister for Transport and Civil Aviation, Walter Schnaubelt when welcoming the weekly service between Guangzhou and Port Moresby “encouraged Papua New Guineans to make use of the trade benefits because of the huge market to capitalize in.
“Weekly flights, open up the skies to strengthen the friendship we have,” Mr Schnaubelt said.
Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture Isi Henry Leonard believes the airline service will increase tourism numbers to the country.
“PNG signed an approved destination status with China in 2009, it is a unique tourism opportunity.
“China is lucrative and delicate market [and] this occasion is the step to venture into the lucrative Chinese market.”
Statistics from PNG Tourism Promotion Authority shows that China sits fourth in the most numbers of visitors arriving on tourist visa, with 120 arrivals last year.
In 2022 data, Australia tops the tourism visa numbers with 2, 793, followed by New Zealand with 1, 157.
Pre Covid-19, in 2019, Chinese entering PNG on tourism visa was 1839.
National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop said amazing Port Moresby branding aims to promote business, investment, trade links, and tourism.
Mr Parkop also made a call for a proposed recapitalization of Air Niugini through inviting China Southern Airlines to take up a 40 percent stake in the airline company, rather than getting another loan for the same.
The inaugural flight, a 787-9 Dreamliner, had 150 passengers onboard with 11 tonnes of cargo, while 180 passengers were booked with 3 tonnes of cargo on its return flight.
China Southern Airlines flies to 40 countries, spreading its wings to 224 destinations.
NBC / PNG Today
Next :
Post a Comment