Air Niugini Confirms Gary Seddon as New Chief Executive Officer

Papua New Guinea’s national airline, Air Niugini, had the honor of flying Pope Francis and his delegation from Port Moresby to Dili, Timor-Leste, around midday on Monday, September 9. The flight was carried out on Air Niugini’s Boeing 737 aircraft, PXA, adorned with the full Bird of Paradise livery.

Papua New Guinea’s National Airline Flies Pope Francis to Dili

Captain Daniel Vavar commanded the flight, assisted by First Officer Eric Niles. The cabin crew included Suzzane Here-Linglingro, Stephanie Kamo, Carol Kuelik, Frederica Gure, and Norman Kari, with Frederick Soriano serving as the flying spanner. Air Niugini’s CEO, Mr. Gary Seddon, was also on board for the journey. The direct flight from Port Moresby to Dili took over three hours, with the return flight arriving in Port Moresby after 7 PM.

Pope Francis, the head of the Roman Catholic Church, had arrived in Port Moresby last Friday from Jakarta, Indonesia, as part of his broader Asia-Oceania tour. During his three-day stay, the Pope traveled to Vanimo, Sandaun Province, and met with religious, political, and business leaders, as well as youths and school representatives.

This marked the third time Air Niugini has had the honor of flying the Pope. The airline had previously flown the former pontiff, Pope John Paul II, in 1984 and 1995.

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Air Niugini Confirms Gary Seddon as New Chief Executive Officer