Airlines PNG extends code share agreement with Pacific Blue until Mar-2012

Since November 2008 Airlines PNG has code shared on four weekly services operated by Pacific Blue between Port Moresby and Brisbane in each direction.

The original code share agreement was scheduled to expire in late 2011 but has now been extended as part of a number of revisions to the existing arrangements.

Chief Commercial Officer Scott Roworth said the extension would ensure Airlines PNG customers have continued access to Pacific Blue’s services as both carriers maintain a competitive presence on the route.

Pacific Blue is part of the Virgin Blue Group of Airlines which is Australia’s second largest carrier.

“We are working closely with our partners at the Virgin Blue Group as we constantly seek to deliver enhanced product initiatives for our customers. These revisions allow us to do so in a financially responsible manner which is also in the best interests of our shareholders”, said Mr Roworth.

The amendments to the code share agreement have now been formally approved by the PNG Independent Consumer and Competition Commission as well as relevant Australian authorities.

In other news, Airlines PNG has recently been designated by the Minister for Transport as a carrier to operate international air services per bilateral agreements between the governments of PNG and each of Singapore, the Philippines and Indonesia.

This now entitles Airlines PNG to apply for available capacity on international air routes to those countries. Airlines PNG will continue to assess market opportunities for those services as they arise.