PORT MORESBY MOVES CLOSER TO BECOMING GATEWAY TO ASIA AND THE PACIFIC

National Capital District Governor Hon. Powes Parkop has welcomed the Marape-Rosso Government’s support for the launch of China Southern Airlines’ new route connecting Guangzhou, Port Moresby, and Port Vila.

The inaugural flight on 29 April 2025 marks a major milestone in positioning Port Moresby as a key regional transit hub linking Asia and the Pacific.

“This is a proud and strategic moment for Port Moresby. It fully aligns with our vision to make Port Moresby a tourist hub and gateway. It also reflects our capital’s growing role in fostering regional connectivity and opens new doors for trade, and investment apart from tourism .”

The flight follows years of negotiations initiated in 2019 between PNG and Vanuatu. A delegation from Vanuatu, including former Prime Minister and current Leader of Government Business Charlot Salwai, visited Port Moresby to celebrate the launch and met with Prime Minister, James Marape and his officials last week.

Governor Parkop commended Prime Minister Marape’s leadership and commitment to formalising Fifth Freedom Rights, which will enable smooth transit for passengers between PNG and Vanuatu. 

These discussions are now progressing with both governments and China Southern Airlines.

Governor Parkop also highlighted the importance of the Framework Agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation signed in 2024, which reinforces collaboration between PNG and Vanuatu across multiple sectors. It’s also follows the signing last year of the sister city agreement between Port Moresby and Port Vila. 

“This airline route strengthens our historical ties and economic partnerships and enhance the sister city relationship between Port Moresby and Port Vila ,” Governor Parkop said. “Port Moresby is rising to meet its potential as the true gateway to Asia and the Pacific.”

Governor Parkop also announced that he has already commenced discussions between China Eastern Airlines to also fly to PNG either from Nanjing or Shanghai. He hopes that this connection can be confirmed soon so it can provide more opportunities between PNG and the Pacific and China especially the mega cities of Shanghai, Nanjing and other cities in the East of China. 

#We_Work #We_Inspire #We_celebrate #png50 

NCD Governor Hon. Powes Parkop, LLB, LLM,MP 

#AmazingPortMoresby 

#OnePeopleOneNationOneCountry

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Plans Underway for Direct Flight Between Kagamuga and Jayapura

State Enterprises Minister Hon. William Duma has announced that the Government is working towards establishing a direct international flight route between Kagamuga Airport in Mount Hagen, Western Highlands Province, and Jayapura in Indonesia.

Speaking during the launch of the new Air Niugini sales office at Tininga Dobel, Minister Duma said the proposed route is part of broader efforts to improve connectivity and expand trade and travel opportunities for the people of the Highlands and Papua New Guinea.

“Jayapura offers a large market of affordable electrical goods, household items, and clothing,” Minister Duma said. “Instead of people flying to Australia to buy quality items at high prices, they will soon have the option to travel directly to Jayapura and return—more affordably and conveniently.”

To make the direct route possible, the government is actively seeking funding to extend the Kagamuga runway to accommodate larger aircraft, including the Boeing 737.

Minister Duma made the announcement in response to concerns raised by Western Highlands Provincial Member Hon. Wai Rapa over the incomplete and substandard runway upgrade previously undertaken at Kagamuga.

“We acknowledge the issues with the previous contractor and apologise to our people,” Minister Duma said. “We are now focused on securing funds and ensuring that the next phase of runway works meets the necessary standards to handle larger aircraft and international operations.”

National Airports Corporation (NAC) Manager Mr. Paul Rumints also confirmed that Kagamuga Airport would undergo further upgrades, citing that previous works were not done to standard.

“All future developments—including runway extensions and infrastructure upgrades—will be managed and implemented properly under NAC oversight,” Mr. Rumints assured.

The direct Kagamuga–Jayapura route is expected to significantly boost economic activity, improve access to international markets, and offer highland communities more affordable travel options once completed.

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