The national flag carrier, Air Niugini, has just added a new aircraft to its fleet of Q400 aircrafts to improve its services in the domestic route, all thanks to funding support from the National Government. Just over the weekend on Saturday 19th October, Air Niugini welcomed its 4th Q400 to Port Moresby city as part of the airline’s fleet transition program. The acquisition of this aircraft, PXT was fully funded by the National Government through the Public Investment Program (PIP) with the support of Kumul Consolidated Holdings (KCH). The aircraft costs about 7 million US dollars. There was water salute as part of tradition to welcome PXT as it touched down at Jacksons International Airport. Air Niugini Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Gary Seddon and part of his management team were at the airport to receive the aircraft. Mr. Seddon said it has been 10 years since Air Niugini last purchased an aircraft and the acquisition is a testament to the airline’s commitment to improving and expanding its services across the country. He thanked the Marape/Rosso government for the funding support through the PIP and KCH for its continuous invaluable assistance. “This aircraft will play a crucial role in improving our operating efficiency and schedule reliability on domestic routes. The advanced technology and versality are ideally suited for our operation needs, ensuring Air Niugini continues to provide safe, efficient, and reliable services to the people of Papua New Guinea.” “I would like to extend our sincere thanks to the government, particularly our Minster for State Owned Enterprises William Duma for championing this program as well as chairman and managing director and the team at KCH for their unwavering support in making this possible.” Mr. Seddon said Once all Civil Aviation Safety Authority, PNG (CASA PNG) regulatory requirements are complete, PXT is expected to commence commercial operations by November. The airline is looking at a total 8 to replace the current Dash 8 classics. Q400s are high in demand in this region, they are substantially larger, much faster, more comfortable, with vastly superior and more powerful engines and propellers, and carry up to 76 passengers, about 30 more than Dash8 classics. The Q400s are ideally suitable for operations in PNG environment.