By Adelaide Sirox Kari – EM TV News, Port Moresby
Air Niugini has responded to the Governments call to have Air Niugini change the current state of air travel in PNG.
Today, Air Niugini had a look at Embraer’s newest aircraft the E195 – E2 as the National Air Line looks to remove its Fokker fleet.
Embraer, a Brazilian aerospace company produces commercial, military, executive and agricultural aircraft and provides aeronautical services. It is the third largest producer of civil aircraft, after Boeing and Airbus.
The E195-E2 aircraft is able to seat 150 passengers, boasts of fuel efficiency with noise reduction of its two turbo engines, compared to other Jet Aircrafts and can easily take off from a 1,300 meter runway.
Air Niugini Management, selected guest and media personal were invited to test flight the Aircraft. Taking off at the Jackson’s international terminal, a 900 meter runway, the aircraft showed off its capabilities of short landing and take-off.
Air Niugini Managing Director Alan Milne, while being impressed with the flight says, the airline is weighing out options on what aircraft will replace the Fokker and Boeing fleet.
With Jet fuel is usually the reason why passengers pay more for a ticket; with the Embraer saving 25.4% fuel less per seat compared to other aircraft, in this case the price of ticket may be reduced.
Milne says depending on any aircraft Air Niugini purchases, the maintenance of aircraft will be done in country, saving the company millions of Kina.
The Embraer aircraft is flown by over 130 airlines in 70 countries and there are currently 1950 plus Embraer in service.
Deputy Chairman of Air Niugini Andrew Nui says the government has tasked Air Niugini to replace the old fleet and improve its services and is pleased Air Niugini has started the search.
