Some two years ago, Airlines PNG commenced a new Aviation contract component with PJV (Porgera Joint Venture) in a unique arrangement with Heli Niugini, a major Heavy and Light Rotor wing operator in Papua New Guinea. Airlines PNG took the “˜Head Contract’ and Heli Niugini took responsibility for the fixed wing and rotor wing components of the contract.
In doing so, Airlines PNG secured two additional Dash8 aircraft for its fleet, adding to the two already in operation.
Prior to this, Airlines PNG were the exclusive fixed wing operator for Chevron Niugini Limited, servicing the client with Dash8 and Twin Otter aircraft. While Airlines PNG performed this role Chevron Niugini was the oil operator in the Kutubu region of the Southern Highlands of PNG. This operation is now exclusively operated by Oil Search PNG, an international company with focus on PNG Exploration and Operatorship.
Airlines PNG then made a corporate decision to “˜add value’ to this contract and began a study the application of a new in-flight entertainment (IFE) system. The new system has been successfully installed in each of the contracted Dash8 airplanes.
The company believes that it is the first Bombardier Dash8 aircraft operator to develop and install an in-flight DVD operated movie system using cordless headphones throughout the world.
Airlines PNG says it is proud to have taken this bold and innovative initiative to ensure it maintains its lead in the aviation industry throughout PNG. The initiative came about largely as a result of the award of the PJV contract.
Airlines PNG now has a permanent Dash8 allocated for the PJV contract together with a permanent Twin Otter-300 series based in Karik, the airstrip located in the Porgera region of the Engan Province.
The Dash8 operates some long flight sectors, including the flight from Mt Hagen in the Western Highlands of PNG through to Cairns in North Queensland (an average of 3 hours each way) and the IFE makes this a relaxing service, providing entertainment on board and lessening the impact felt by this long journey. The Dash8 is also used for crew changes at mine sites for Australian based employees.
In the rugged terrain of PNG, the company has sought to ensure that its prime focus is on the delivery of a quality product to its customers at a competitive price, bearing in mind its zero tolerance safety policy.
In order to achieve this goal, the airline has worked hard to put into place world best practices and also ensure that its management processes are aligned with the changes needed to adapt in the ever changing aviation environment.
Airlines PNG currently employs some 65 pilots with an average experience of 5000 flight hours, often mainly in PNG. All pilots undergo continuous checks and training to ensure they maintain the high standard required to operate safely and effectively in Papua New Guinea’s unique flying conditions. Airlines PNG meet the standards of both PNG and Australian Civil Aviation Authorities as wells as those of Corporate audits.
Queensland expansion to offer increased services
Airlines PNG continues to expand its wings and has added more Dash8 aircraft to its fleet with the acquisition of aircrafts traded in by Qantas to the manufacturer, Bombardier.
In order to further diversify its operation in PNG the company has started a new airline in Queensland, based in Cairns. This airline is now registered and has a CASA Air Operation Certificate under the name of Queensland Regional Airlines.
On its books, and operating ad-hoc charters right across a broad spectrum of clients, are three Dash8 aircraft specifically suitable for mining and petroleum crew changes and field cargo requirements.
After reviewing its operations to support mining field work Airlines PNG decided that it needed to invest in a Cessna Citation II Corporate Jet, which has a proven track record of performance in Papua New Guinea.
The Citation II aircraft is fitted with a gravel kit, giving the capability to fly into most gravel airstrips in PNG and also operates in a Medevac role throughout PNG and the South West Pacific area, including Indonesia.