State closes in on flying deal

By NATHAN WOTI
AIR Niugini is confident of resolving the jet fuel issue soon to return all services back to normal, acting chief executive officer Gary Seddon said yesterday.
He said the State Enterprises Ministry had closed in on a long-term arrangement to address the issue.
Seddon did neither specify on the arrangement nor revealed the supplier involved.
He said flights have not been cancelled, and the airline was doing its best to provide a competent and safe transport service.
“Passengers who abuse staff on social media or in person risk losing their bookings and being barred for life,” Seddon issued the warning to people who abused or threatened airline staff.
“We do provide accommodation for passengers transiting.
“However, bearing in mind that fuel rationing is beyond our control, it is not appropriate for the airline to accept liability for disruptions beyond our control.
“We apologise for any inconveniences caused.”
He said the jet fuel supply chain was critical to the airline’s operations.
“It is highly regulated and must be appropriate and compliant.
“Ours is a complex industry, but vital to the development and growth of PNG. Without a safe successful competent aviation industry, PNG would remain unconnected,” Seddon said.
He said the country needed to tackle the fuel issue in the same way that it had been addressing the issues of infrastructure and reliable aircraft – with innovative, transparent and appropriate investment programmes.
“Again, thanks to the support of State Enterprises Minister William Duma and the Government, we have a fleet replacement programme and a developing airport infrastructure programme.”
He Air Niugini was looking forward to returning to Rabaul, East New Britain, soon.
He said in September next year, the Airbus A220 regional jets would service the domestic routes.