The introduction of Air Niugini’s direct flight to Beli is pavingthe way for Papua New Guineato focus ontheIndonesian market.
The flag carrier flew out on Monday evening and returned back on Tuesday morning.
The international departure lounge at Jackson’s airport was filled with both guests for the inaugural flight and a good number ofIndonesian Nationals returning home.
As is custom with all new ventures with Air Niugini, a blessing ceremony was held to dedicatethe inaugural flight to BeliIndonesia.
Ontothe speeches, Chief Executive officer of Air Niugini Simon Foo saidthe airline chose Beli because it is a world class tourist destination.
“We’re going to operate once a week and subject to howthe opportunities arise we shallthen look atthe second service inthe future,” said Foo.
“We believe that a lot of opportunities will come up in this coming future,” Sitepu said.
Minister for Trade Commerce andIndustry Richard Maru’saw it from an economical point of view. He saidIndonesia is a Market he would like to focus on. Its population of over 200 million represents opportunity andthe cost of doing businessthere is cheaper in comparison tPNG.
&ldquoIndonesia isthe most important emerging market for us and asthe whole world movers towards Asia, Papua New Guineais also moving that way,” said Maru.
State Enterprise Minister Ben Micah confirmed thatthe government will be subsidisingthe flights inthe initial stages until it’s able to sustain itself.
He has a number of incentives that will encourage travel betweenthe routes.
Afterthe speechesthe inaugural flight was officially declared open.
Four hours later at Denpasar Beli,the flight was given a warm Belinese welcome. Waiting dignitaries includePNG’s ambassador tPNG Peter Ilau.
“I’m glad that Air Niugini has finally arrived to Beli,” said Ilau.
The cost of flying to Beli is close to one thousand kina.
This is notthe first time for the airline to fly intoIndonesia. The airline did operate into Jayapura and Jakarta prior tothe road connecting Vanimo and Jayapura being built.
Pictured: Chief Executive officer of Air Niugini Simon Foo.
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