China Southern Airlines is set to embark on its maiden voyage from Guangzhou to Port Moresby in December 2023. The announcement was made by the Minister for Transport and Civil Aviation, Walter D. Schnaubelt, during his address at the 2023 Christmas event held on November 28 at the Niusky Pacific Limited office premises.
Minister Schnaubelt, who also represents the Namatanai Open constituency, shared insights into the future trajectory of air service agreements (ASAs). He highlighted that ASAs with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, and New Zealand are progressing, while discussions and updates for agreements with Australia, Singapore, and other nations are underway to align with the evolving demands of post-COVID travel.
Looking forward to 2024 and beyond, the Department of Transport aims to streamline policy coordination, regulation, budgeting, and investment planning across the water, land, and air transportation sectors. All agencies under the Ministry for Transport and Civil Aviation are geared towards providing comprehensive policy and legislative reviews, with a specific focus on the aviation and maritime modal sectors.
The aviation policy, a pivotal component of this comprehensive approach, is slated to be presented to the National Executive Council by the end of Quarter 1, 2024. Simultaneously, initiatives related to railways and electric vehicles will be advanced.
Minister Schnaubelt underscored the critical role of infrastructure in driving economic growth, emphasizing that transportation acts as the wheels of this growth engine. Adequate infrastructure not only fosters economic development but also extends its benefits to those residing in rural and isolated areas. By promoting rural airstrips, jetties, and provincial and district roads, the “Going Rural Connect PNG” initiative aims to inclusively bring the benefits of economic growth to remote communities.
Connect PNG, a holistic approach encompassing land, aviation, and maritime connectivity, envisages the seamless movement of goods for domestic consumption and exports. Minister Schnaubelt highlighted the importance of prioritising safety requirements for all aircraft, ships, and vehicles utilizing these transport infrastructures.
Acknowledging transport as a vital conduit for economic development and social service delivery, the Minister expressed the commitment of his team to establish a functional transport system not only for Papua New Guinea but also for Pacific Island countries, APEC member economies, and the global community.
Key programs, including ADB CADIP 1 and 2, feasibility study reviews, and the design of new ports, such as Wewak and Vanimo, under the Australian Government’s TSSP 3, were cited as crucial partnership programs contributing to Papua New Guinea’s development journey.
