Air Niugini cancels all domestic flights, no fuel for its jets
News that matter in Papua New Guinea
Air Niugini cancels all domestic flights, no
fuel for its jets
PORT MORESBY: Air Niugini has cancelled all its domestic
flights indefinitely because there is no Jet A1 fuel supply from Puma.
This is the second time
in two months for such an embarrassing state in the air industry – and all
because of the Central Bank’s inability to ensure a steady supply of Forex for
Puma to ensure continuous supply of Jet A1 fuel.
The shameful news break for Papua New Guinea was reported by The National:
No fuel, Air Niugini
cancels domestic flights
January 5, 2023The
NationalNational
AIR Niugini has cancelled all domestic flights
from today after Puma suspended the supply of fuel due to the lack of foreign
currency (FX) in the country.
In a statement last night, Air Niugini said there was no alternative supplier
of aviation fuel in most airports, including Port Moresby.
“The matter is outside its control but the airline cannot not reduce its
operational standards and that safety is always paramount,” the statement said.
This restriction applies to Port Moresby and all the airports around PNG.
These cancellations will have to be ongoing until Puma’s restrictions are
removed.
“We have done everything possible to ensure that this situation did not occur
and that we could continue to support the people of Papua New Guinea,
especially as they return from their Christmas holidays.”
January 5, 2023The
NationalMain Stories
By DALE LUMA
PUMA Energy is unable
to maintain the supply of fuel products to its customers because of the lack of
foreign currency (FX) in the country, says country manager Hulala Tokome.
Tokome told The National that Puma had been working with
various stakeholders for months to ensure a sustainable flow of FX currency.
“We are working with the Government and BPNG (Bank of Papua New Guinea) to have
this resolved today (yesterday),” Tokome said.
“For months, we have been working and continue to work with various
stakeholders to ensure sustainability flows of foreign currency, which is
critical in buying fuel on the international market.
“Unfortunately, due to the limited availability of foreign currency in the
commercial market, we are unable to continue maintaining the necessary supply
of products to our customers.
“We will continue to work with the relevant authorities to ensure security of
supply for PNG.”
On whether Puma will cease the supply, Tokome said: “We are working with
authorities to ensure this doesn’t happen.”
Attempts to get comments from BPNG were unsuccessful.
Last month, the aviation industry was temporarily affected by the fuel supply,
with Air Niugini cancelling domestic flights.
Air Niugini said Puma had stopped the supply of Jet A1 fuel to the airline. It
was forced to cancel all domestic flights on the afternoon of Dec 1.
The airline resumed normal operations after Puma restored the supply of fuel.
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