Air Niugini adds 767 to services

[Kurt A]

The service between Port Moresby and Brisbane has been upgraded with the introduction of the new Air Niugini flagship, the Boeing 767-300ER.

The new jet began servicing the commercial route on Sunday June 1, 2008.

Chief executive of Air Niugini, Wasantha Kumarasiri, commented that the B767 will ensure customers receive a better scheduled service.

“As passenger numbers of Air Niugini flights are increasing, the extra seating on the aircraft will ensure that growing demand is met,” said Kumarasiri.

Indeed, the latest flagship boasts a total of 214 seats on the aircraft, including 30 in business class.

Furthermore, the B767 “has a larger cargo capacity and a greater pitch in both cabins allowing more leg room for customers,” he added.

The Air Niugini fleet will now operate with its B757, B767 and the Embraer 190 aircraft. The airline hopes that these jets will enhance reliability in their international services.
Air Niugini took delivery of the new aircraft in May.

The airline has been eagerly anticipating the release of the B767 on their international routes since August 2007, according to Kumarasiri.

The new flagship was acquired with a maintenance lease agreement, and hence, although Air Niugini pilots will fly the aircraft, the engineering will be under Iceland Technical Services.

-eTravel