The Asian Development Bank (ADB) board has approved financing to support Air Niugini’s re-fleeting programme, according to ADB country director Said Zaidansyah.
The Post Courier newspaper reports Zaidansyah as saying the funding will help air Niugini buy two 787 aircraft and six A220 aircraft.
“The ADB board has just recently approved ADB financing for the Air New Guinea re-fleeting program and the re-fleeting program that ADB is supporting Air New Guinea with will procure two 787 Dreamliners and six A220 aircrafts,” Zaidansyah said.
Air Niugini chief executive officer Gary Seddon confirmed this, stating a formal announcement will be made soon.
ADB is also currently supporting the Civil Aviation Investment Development Program (CADIP) in the country.
Transport and Aviation Minister Walter Schnaubelt recently said the CADIP plays a significant role in improving the aviation sector.
“The ADB’s support under CADIP1 has positively shaped and improved our airport infrastructure facilities to where they are today.
“CADIP1 investment was valued at K1.67 billion, the results of these investments are evident in the improved aircraft pavements and runway extensions to cater for jet aircraft and new spacious state-of-the-art terminal buildings at certain airports and other associated works that enhance passenger comfort, safety, and security,” Schnaubelt said.
“Momote, Vanimo, Tari, Mendi, Tokua, Kavieng, Buka, Wapenamanda and Gurney airports are some of the 22 national airports that have undergone improvements to their facilities under CADIP1.
“I acknowledge the efforts of the former government led by the late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, for initiating this important program (CADIP) in 2009.
“I commend the Government for their support in ensuring the continuation of CADIPII, which is valued at USD$171.5 million (K595.10 million).”
The loan is financing projects identified by the NAC, Niu Sky Pacific Ltd, Civil Aviation Safety Authority, PNG Accident and Investigation Commission (AIC), National Weather Service (NWS), and Rural Airstrips Agency (through the Department of Transport). These include:
*The upgrading of Gurney; Kiunga, Aropa, Hoskins, and Wewak Airports by NAC;
*Upgrading of Air Traffic Control towers at Port Moresby International and Goroka airports by NiuSky Pacific Limited (NSPL).
*Improvements to four rural airports namely, Tapini Airstrip in Central Province, Hayfield Airstrip in East Sepik Province, Jacquinot Bay in East New Britain Province and Finschaffen in Morobe Province, by the Rural Airstrip Agency through the Department of Transport; and
*Air navigational systems and equipment NiuSky Pacific Limited, National Weather Service; Accident Investigation Commission; capacity building by the aviation sister agencies.