Air Niugini will resume direct flights between Port Moresby and Auckland from November 17, restoring the first non-stop air service between Papua New Guinea and New Zealand in more than 26 years.
The national airline announced last week it will operate three return flights a week, cutting travel time by eliminating the need for passengers and freight to transit through Australia or other regional hubs.
The service will initially be operated by Boeing 737-800 aircraft before transitioning to the airline’s new Airbus A220 fleet next year as more aircraft are delivered.
Air Niugini Chief Executive Officer Alan Milne said in a statement that the return of the Auckland route marks a major milestone in the airline’s international expansion and strengthens links between Papua New Guinea and New Zealand.
“The resumption of direct services to Auckland is a significant milestone for Air Niugini and for the people of Papua New Guinea and New Zealand,” Mr. Milne said.
“We are delighted to once again provide a direct link between our two countries, making travel faster, more convenient and more accessible for business travelers, tourists, students and families.”
Mr. Milne said the Auckland schedule has been designed to connect with Air Niugini’s services to Hong Kong, Singapore, Manila and Tokyo, reinforcing Papua New Guinea’s role as a gateway between the Pacific and Asia.
“The Auckland flights are timed to connect perfectly with existing Air Niugini services to and from Hong Kong, Singapore, Manila and Tokyo, further cementing Papua New Guinea’s position as a Pacific connector between the Pacific and Asia,” he said.
He said the direct service is expected to boost tourism, trade, education, cultural exchanges and seasonal worker travel while improving business opportunities between the two countries.
Passengers from New Zealand will also have access to convenient onward connections through Port Moresby to Air Niugini’s domestic network.
The new route forms part of Air Niugini’s network expansion strategy, supported by its ongoing fleet renewal program.
The airline said the introduction of the Airbus A220 aircraft has increased domestic capacity and enabled the restoration of key international routes, with more domestic destinations expected to receive A220 services as airport upgrades continue across the country.
Air Niugini previously served Auckland through a weekly tripartite service with Cathay Pacific and Air New Zealand between 1982 and 1985 before operating its own direct flights until 1998, when services were suspended during the Asian financial crisis.
Tickets for the Port Moresby-Auckland service go on sale today through Air Niugini sales offices, travel agents and the airline’s online booking platform.