By Fabian Hakalits – EMTV News, Port Moresby
Airline operator, PNG Air, yesterdaycommenced its first commercial flights with the new ATR aircraft to the two national airports in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.
PNG Air’s first commercial flight to Buka and Aropa Airport’s on the new ATR aircraft, Alpha Tango Bravo, flew out of Jacksons Airport Port Moresby on schedule.
According to PNG Air, the first 55 passengers were booked on this first commercial flight out of Port Moresby, on the company’s third ATR 72 seater aircraft.
The new aircraft operated out of Port Moresby to Lae at 9am, and then onto the New Guinea Islands, Hoskins, Rabaul, Buka then onto Kieta and back to Buka for overnight.
According to Chief Commercial Officer, Paul Abbot, PNG Air’s intention is to provide affordable costs to the people of Bougainville.
“We feel privileged to bring people here in our new aircraft and to further start our service to Aropa,” he said.
Locals expressed their joy for the new service because this will enable competition among airline operators, and provide flights at a more affordable cost.
“For PNG Air to begin this flight services, this gives a significant thought to the process of development on the Autonomous Region of Bougainville,” a local Bougainvillean said.
On Thursday April 21, PNG Air made its maiden flight to Buka and Aropa on the new ATR aircraft.
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