Air Niugini has come on board to support a platform for local fashion designers, the Fashion for Peace Runway 2023 as the official airline partner. Air Niugini believes in empowering and developing the skills of Papua New Guineans to promote tourism, arts, and culture. Fashion for Peace Runway 2023 is hosted by PNG Fashion and Design Week (PNGFDW) Limited, a not-for-profit organization focusing on providing innovative platforms to support the development and growth of the fashion and design industry in PNG. As an official airline partner, Air Niugini will provide five return tickets including three for local designers traveling in from East New Britain and New Ireland Province and two international tickets for designers from Sydney, Australia. The airline is also sponsoring a corporate table and offering a prize of return tickets for two to travel to any destination in PNG. Air Niugini Acting Chief Executive Officer, Gary Seddon, highlighted the significant role fashion, arts and culture plays in promoting tourism and travel. “Through fashion, local designers help promote the diverse cultures of PNG adding value to tourism which the airline wholeheartedly supports.” “Air Niugini believes strongly in supporting people to celebrate our culture and diversity, through any platform.” “We encourage people to contribute to the country’s tourism growth by creating more accessibility and exposure.” The fashion runway event is scheduled for August 19th at the Stanley Hotel in Port Moresby and aims to showcase the power of fashion in promoting peace, unity, and cultural diversity. This will see a total of seventy models from the University of Papua New Guinea and thirteen local designers from New Ireland, East New Britain and Port Moresby who will be showing casing their designs on the runway. PNGFDW Limited Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Janet Sios, expressed her gratitude towards Air Niugini’s support enabling fashion designers to gather in Port Moresby and create a dynamic platform for cultural exchange and mutual appreciation. “Fashion for Peace is not just about showcasing clothing, it's about weaving together stories of heritage, tradition, and innovation.” “With Air Niugini's involvement, we are confident that our festival will reach new heights, amplifying the voices of our talented designers and elevating the Papua New Guinean fashion industry on an international scale.” The fashion platform was launched in 2016 with a mission to showcase Papua New Guinea’s culturally inspired fashion and designs.