Traveling from Port Moresby to Port Vila for FestNapuan

FestNapuan, held on Tanna Island, is a vibrant celebration of music and culture in Vanuatu. If you're planning to travel from Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, to Port Vila, Vanuatu, here's a detailed guide to help you navigate your journey smoothly.

Preparing for Your Journey

Research and Planning

Before embarking on your trip, it's crucial to conduct thorough research and plan accordingly:

• Visa Requirements: Check if you require a visa for Vanuatu. Many countries have visa-free agreements with Vanuatu, but it’s always best to confirm.

• Travel Insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances during your trip.

• Currency: The official currency of Vanuatu is the Vanuatu Vatu (VUV). Ensure you have some local currency for small purchases upon arrival.

Booking Flights

Currently, there are no direct flights from Port Moresby to Port Vila, so you'll likely need to make at least one stopover. Here are some steps to consider:

• Airlines: Look for airlines that operate flights between Port Moresby and Port Vila, such as Air Niugini and Virgin Australia.

• Stopovers: Common stopover locations include Brisbane, Australia, and Nadi, Fiji. Choose a route that fits your schedule and budget.

• Advance Booking: Book your flights well in advance to secure the best rates and availability.

Arrival in Port Vila

Getting to Tanna Island

Once you arrive in Port Vila, you'll need to travel to Tanna Island, where FestNapuan takes place:

• Domestic Flights: Flights from Port Vila to Tanna Island are available via local carriers like Air Vanuatu. These flights are relatively short, approximately 45 minutes.

• Accommodation: Book your accommodation on Tanna Island in advance, especially during the festival period, as hotels and guesthouses can fill up quickly.

Transportation

• Airport Transfers: Arrange for transportation from Tanna Airport to your accommodation. Many hotels offer shuttle services, or you can hire a taxi.

• Local Transport: Once on the island, you can use local buses or hire a car for greater flexibility.

Enjoying FestNapuan

Festival Highlights

FestNapuan is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of Vanuatu. Highlights include:

• Music Performances: Enjoy a diverse range of music from local and international artists. Genres span traditional Melanesian, reggae, and contemporary styles.

• Cultural Displays: Witness traditional dances, crafts, and customs that showcase the unique heritage of Vanuatu.

• Local Cuisine: Savor traditional Vanuatu dishes and fresh seafood at food stalls and nearby restaurants.

Tips for a Great Experience

• Stay Hydrated: The festival can be demanding, so drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

• Respect Local Customs: Embrace the local culture by dressing modestly and respecting traditional practices.

• Engage with Locals: Take the opportunity to converse with local attendees and learn more about their culture and traditions.

Conclusion

Traveling from Port Moresby to Port Vila for FestNapuan is an adventure filled with cultural exploration and musical enjoyment. By planning carefully and respecting the local customs, you will have an enriching and memorable experience on Tanna Island. Enjoy the festival and the beautiful landscapes of Vanuatu!

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AIR NIUGINI ANNOUNCES PNG'S BRAND NEW A220 AIRCRAFT

Air Niugini’s first brand new A220, dubbed the “People’s Balus”, has now entered final assembly at the Airbus Canada factory at Mirabel, Montreal.

The aircraft is planned for delivery to Port Moresby in September coinciding with Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations.

Air Niugini will be the 25th airline to operate the state of the art A220, with over 900 of these latest technology jets having been ordered by 24 other airlines around the world, of which over 400 are already in operation.

Air Niugini’s eleven brand new A220s will come in two variants – three A220-300 series seating 138 customers, and eight smaller A220-100 series with 114 seats, for a total of eleven aircraft. 

The A220s will initially replace the airline’s long serving Fokker 100/70 fleet on domestic routes, and eventually the Boeing 737s as well. Whilst the initial focus is to upgrade domestic services, the A220 is also capable of servicing all Air Niugini international destinations as well as some potential new routes which the airline is studying.

All the A220 aircraft will be fitted with comfortable Business and Economy seating, and will offer complimentary WiFi for all customers so they can stream their favorite programs and keep in touch with family, friends and work while they are travelling.

Air Niugini engineers, cabin crew and pilots have commenced intensive training, with the airline progressing through a comprehensive entry into service program to be ready to welcome the new aircraft during the first week of September.

Pacific Circle News

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AIR NIUGINI’S SECOND BATCH OF PILOT CADETS COMMENCE TRAINING

MEDIA RELEASE

Four young Papua New Guineans, including one female cadet, have embarked on their journey as part of Air Niugini’s second batch of pilot cadets under the airline’s National Pilot Cadet Program. They departed Port Moresby on Saturday, 10th May, to commence their 18-month initial pilot training at Flight Training Adelaide in South Australia.

The cadets—Christopher Morea Saisagu, Salmon Ephraim Hans, Daera Konio Reid, and Eruel Toovey Verave—were selected after successfully passing a rigorous and thorough selection process of candidates with no former flight training or experience. Thousands of applications were received from young men and women across Papua New Guinea. Shortlisted candidates underwent an intensive evaluation, including academic assessments, internal aptitude tests, and interviews conducted by both Flight Training Adelaide and Air Niugini to ensure only the top-performing individuals were chosen.

During a meeting with the cadets and their parents on Friday, Air Niugini’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Gary Seddon, emphasized the airline’s significant investment in their training. He stated that by the time the cadets are fully trained, Air Niugini will have invested one million kina in each of them. Mr. Seddon highlighted the expectations of the highly regulated airline industry, focusing on safety and security, and urged the cadets to remain focused and disciplined. He added that Air Niugini expects nothing less than excellence and professionalism from them.

“It may be your lifelong dream to one day work for the national airline. While you have made it this far, it’s the envy of many to be in the seats you occupy today. Therefore, do not take this opportunity lightly. Air Niugini is making this substantial investment to ensure your dreams become a reality. We want you to succeed and return to work with us,” Mr. Seddon remarked.

Air Niugini’s Acting Chief Operating Officer, Captain Samiu Taufa, and Manager of Pilot cadets and Dash 8 Captain Joachim Ortlauf, who were once cadets themselves 33 and 15 years ago, respectively, echoed the CEO’s sentiments. They encouraged the four young individuals to stay disciplined and focused throughout their training.

Captain Taufa, also General Manager of Flight Operations and Check and Training Captain on the Boeing B767, emphasized that being a pilot is a highly rewarding career. He noted that the cadet program is a pathway to realizing that dream and strongly emphasized the importance of discipline and good habits. “Initially, it’s always exciting; however, there will be challenges and temptations along the way. There may be times when you feel alone, but always remember to stay focused and disciplined. If you need support, there are always people here at Air Niugini who will help, guide, and mentor you throughout your training,” Captain Taufa advised.

Captain Ortlauf acknowledged that the entire program is challenging but rewarding. He encouraged the cadets to always seek support from Air Niugini whenever they face challenges and require assistance. “We have gone through the same program; the training is hard but not impossible. It’s now up to you to ensure you work hard and stay focused so that you can succeed and return home to continue with Air Niugini. We will be here to support you all the way,” Captain Ortlauf said 

Upon successful completion of their 18-month training, the cadets will graduate with their Commercial Pilot’s Licence (CPL) and multi-engine instrument rating. They will then return to Air Niugini to continue their in-flight training as Cadets.

Air Niugini’s cadet pilot program was reintroduced in 2023 by the current CEO after an eight-year hiatus. “There is a global shortage of experienced pilots. Air Niugini is innovating and developing the next generation, future-proofing our long-term requirements,” Mr. Seddon stated.

Another group of pilot cadets with qualifications and some experience are being assembled for the next Air Niugini cadet intake. These are pilot candidates who have previously received their private pilot license and commercial pilot license, but have very limited flight experience.

Since the inception of the cadet pilot training program, Air Niugini has graduated 84 national pilots who now serve in the flight crew of all Air Niugini’s aircraft—from Dash 8s to Q400, Fokker 70, F100, Boeing 737, and the B767—and with major airlines around the world.

End....//

Corporate Communications Department

Monday 12th May 2025

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