AIR NIUGINI COMMENCES WEEKLY FLIGHTS TO PALAU

December 13, 2022

Air Niugini will commence weekly services connecting Australia, Papua New Guinea and Palau effective 28th February 2023.

Air Niugini, in partnership with the Australian government will service this route under the Australian government?s Pacific Flight Programme which underwrites flights during the initial establishment phase. The programme has supported over 450 flights in the Pacific since December 2020 and throughout the COVID-19 pandemic across 14 routes and 11 countries. This has helped keep Pacific communities connected, maintain supply chains and deliver critical medicines. The programme removes airlines? commercial risk operating an agreed flight, assuring regular and scheduled flights for passengers and cargo.

Air Niugini Chief Executive Officer, Bruce Alabaster said the weekly flights will be operated by the airline?s Boeing 767 aircraft every Tuesday from Brisbane to Palau via Port Moresby with the return flight on Wednesday.

He said ?As a regional operator in the Pacific we understand the importance of connecting communities and helping rebuild them after the COVID pandemic. We see real benefit to Palau with access from the Australian market to help ????????re-build their tourism business and the cargo uplift of the B767 will be of immense value to the many businesses in Palau looking to import goods.?

Airfares between both Brisbane and Palau, and Port Moresby and Palau are set to ensure Palau is a competitive destination for those looking for destinations other than Fiji, Bali etc.? Palau remains one of the world?s most pristine environments and a world topping dive destination.??? With affordable fares and weekly flights, Air Niugini is sure this new route connecting Australia, PNG and Palau will be a winner.? The fares are now available for sale.

?The tourism market is vitally important to the country of Palau and direct access for the Australian market to take advantage of the wonderful diving and outdoor product unique to Palau will be a major boost to the local economy.? ?Mr Alabaster concluded.

Corporate Communications Department

Tuesday 13th December, 2022