The First ever Bali to Port Moresby Citilink flight landed today at the Jackson's International airport welcomed by delegates of the Indonesian Embassy and those of the Foreign Affairs Department. The first Indonesian regular commercial flight, Citilink, landed in Port Moresby at 11am today, formally opening a regular international route connecting the island of Bali in Indonesia and Port Moresby, which will see two flights a week. Citilink, who had been assisting the the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia during the pandemic and at this juncture will operate in accordance to the 2013 Air Service Agreement between both governments. The 2013 Air Service Agreement paved the way for the two nations’ commercial Airlines to operate between destinations in the two countries. Back then, Air Niugini opened routes once a week from Port Moresby to Bali. Unfortunately flights were ceased in 2018 due to operational considerations, and ever since, the Embassy has made countless efforts to reopen the routes. it was not until February of 2020, Citilink initiated direct flight connections and today is a testament to the hard work and efforts of Citilink. On board with the flight was Citilink Chief Executive Officer and staffs, officials of CASAPNG, Indonesian nationals, and the advance team for the Indonesian President’s State Visit. A short flight ceremony of Citilink was held shortly after the Arrival of the delegates, attended by the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia for Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands, Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Secretary of the Department of Transport, Indonesian Consul in Vanimo, CEO of Citilink, CEO of CASAPNG, Acting Chief of State Protocol of Papua New Guinea. Indonesian ambassador, H.E Andriana Supandy said the opening of the direct flight from Bali to Port Moresby is good for both countries as it helps foster stronger connections, but a show of PNGs commitment for fostering stronger bilateral cooperations. The Citilink direct flight from Indonesia to Papua New Guinea will also be launched during the State Visit of the President of the Republic of Indonesia on 5 July 2023 at the APEC Haus.