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Air Niugini Launches Rebranded Loyalty Programs Amid Service Enhancements

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Air Niugini officially launched its rebranded loyalty programs, Destinations Frequent Flyer and Air Niugini Kumul Club

PAPUA New Guinea’s National Airline, Air Niugini officially launched its rebranded loyalty programs, Destinations Frequent Flyer and Air Niugini Kumul Club, during a ceremony held in Port Moresby.

CEO Gary Seddon addressed the audience of management, staff, and partners, highlighting the evolution of the loyalty programs since their inception in August 2009.

With a current membership of 127,000 in the Destinations program and nearly 7,000 Kumul Club members, Seddon noted an impressive growth over the past 15 years, with 85% of members residing in Papua New Guinea (PNG) and 15% overseas.

He emphasized that the Destinations program remains free to join, offering members the opportunity to earn points on flights that can be redeemed for travel or partner goods and services.

Air Niugini CEO, Gary Seddon, standing at a podium with a mic in hand, speaking to attendees at the rebrand launch.
Air Niugini CEO, Gary Seddon, standing at a podium with a mic in hand, speaking to attendees at the rebrand launch.

The revamped Destinations program introduces three membership tiers: Silver, Gold, and Platinum, allowing members to accumulate status points based on flight frequency and spending. Enhanced benefits, such as added baggage allowance, priority check-in, and lounge access, will be available as members advance through the tiers.

For the Kumul Club, which operates on an annual subscription model, there are three options: Kumul Club Premium, Kumul Club Domestic, and Kumul Club Junior.

Seddon reassured attendees that there would be no changes to annual membership fees, and Premium members will continue to enjoy access to all international lounges in PNG and partner lounges abroad. The airline recently opened new lounges in Manus, Vanimo, and Kavieng, bringing the total to 12 lounges across PNG.

Looking ahead, Seddon announced further enhancements set to roll out later this month, including virtual cards, family memberships, and online features such as statement downloads and claims for missing points.

During his speech, Seddon also acknowledged the challenges faced by the airline in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, including supply chain disruptions, rising operational costs, and difficulties in attracting skilled personnel. He acknowledged the need for continuous improvement in customer service, stating, “We cannot accept mediocrity. We have to own that.”

To address these challenges, Air Niugini has invested over K5 million in customer service training for its staff over the past 18 months.

Seddon introduced Lisa Hill, the airline’s new Customer Engagement Manager, who brings extensive experience from the airline and hospitality industries. Hill will play a pivotal role in enhancing customer relations as the airline strives for excellence in service delivery.

As Air Niugini embarks on this new chapter, the introduction of a new fleet of 13 jet planes—expected to arrive within a year—promises to be a game changer for the airline, further elevating the travel experience for passengers.

[Pictures supplied by Air Niugini]

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Air Niugini Secures Fuel

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Air Niugini Secures Fuel

The Air Niugini Board and Management announced it had purchased bulk of jet fuel stock to support the operation of the airline during the shortage of Jet A Fuel in the country.

This decision is a response towards Jet A Fuel sole supplier, Puma Energy’s decision to close it’s Operations in Papua New Guinea

The shortage of jet fuel in PNG had already affected the airline’s ability to operate some flights as scheduled.

Air Niugini’s supply of jet fuel has been successfully delivered to Port Moresby storage facilities to ensure the continuity of scheduled services out of Jackson’s Domestic airport.

However, Air Niugini understands there is no regional center jet fuel delivery solution in place and In the event of any disruptions to the Air Niugini schedule due to the lack of regional jet fuel supply, announcements will be made to keep passengers informed.

Air Niugini’s jet fuel will be stored and transported to aircraft in strict compliance with the applicable standards including the International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations, concerning international safety and regulatory conformance.

Meanwhile Air Niugini has been able to maintain its international flights, ensuring connectivity for passengers traveling between Papua New Guinea and international destinations. It will continue to manage its fuel requirements for the foreseeable future, whilst working to establish a permanent, capable, and appropriate aviation fuel supply contract.

Recent: https://insidepng.com/frustration-boils-over-after-hotel-turns-away-ang-passengers-ipng/

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Air Niugini Resume Flights to Wapenamanda

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Air Niugini

Air Niugini flights into Wapenamanda airport is expected to resume next Tuesday, 17th October.

This follows the uplifting of a temporary suspension of flights due to on-going violence in Enga.

The airline released a statement today announcing it will continue with weekly Dash 8 services on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

However, the Air Niugini Security Department will continue to monitor the situation on a daily basis to ensure that there are no threats that may affect the flights.

The airline company further says, should a security threat be deemed to exist, it will cancel flights for the safety of it’s crew and aircrafts.

The suspension of flights into Enga was part of the Enga Province going into a three month State of Emergency.

Recent: https://insidepng.com/fokker-services-resume-to-madang/

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Fokker Services Resume to Madang

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Fokker Services Resume to Madang

Air Niugini’s Fokker jet services into Madang province has resumed today.

The airline company announced a downgrade of its services to Dash 8 operations yesterday after sections of the Madang airport runway was damaged by the earthquake over the weekend.

Following successful repair works conducted on the runway by the National Airport Corporation, Fokker jet services have resumed.

Meanwhile in Western Highlands all Fokker and Boeing 737 flights into Mount Hagen remains downgraded to Q-400 services due to repair works at the Kagamuga runway.

In a previous statement released by Air Niugini in September, the airline company stated that the National Airport Cooperation aims to have the runway improved within two months by taking advantage of the favorable weather before the start of the festive season (peak period).

With the temporarily closure of Wapenamanda airport in Enga, Kagamuga remains the busiest airport in the Highlands Region serving hundreds of people from Southern Highlands, Western Highlands, Enga, Jiwaka and Chimbu provinces.

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Frustration boils over after hotel turns away ANG passengers

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Passengers of Air Niugini who have been bumped off their flights and provided with hotel accommodations are now facing another challenge; the hotel partnered with the airline, the Crown Hotel has reportedly turned them away due to fully booked rooms.

According to reports, after a flight cancellation, the airline provides hotel accommodations to affected passengers until the next available flight. However, passengers have complained that they have been waiting for up to eight hours at the terminal, only to be turned away by the hotel due to the unavailability of rooms.

Crown Hotel management have confirmed their rooms are fully booked and will not be able to cater for any more.

Passengers have expressed frustration and disappointment at the situation, as they feel that they are being let down by both the airline and the hotel. Some passengers have reportedly been forced to find alternative accommodations on their own, which has caused them additional financial burden. And others are stranded trying to find other means of accommodation.

Air Niugini staff at the customer service have acknowledged the issue and stated that they are working to find a solution to the problem.

Related: https://insidepng.com/continuous-flight-delays-cause-frustration-among-passengers/

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Continuous Flight Delays Cause Frustration among Passengers

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PAPUA New Guinea’s national airline, Air Niugini, has been facing a wave of flight delays and cancellations, causing inconvenience and frustration for passengers.

According to Air Niugini officers at the Jackson’s International airport in the capital city of Port Moresby, the airline has been struggling with technical difficulties, and issues relating to crew members; which have resulted in a high number of cancelled and delayed flights. Passengers have been left stranded at the airport, unable to reach their destinations on time.

The situation has caused widespread frustration among passengers, many of whom have taken to social media to express their displeasure. Some passengers have reported waiting for hours without any updates or information from the airline. Other international passengers transiting through PNG are now faced with an added dilemma as they don’t have PNG visas to stay longer in the country.

With the cancellation of flights, Air Niugini Jacksons’ staff are advising passengers either to rebook for the next available flight or find a place to stay till the next available flight.

Many frustrated passengers both international and domestic travellers are calling for compensation for the inconvenience and financial losses they have incurred as a result of the delays and cancellations.

“The situation is unprofessionally handled because they won’t tell you why the flight is cancelled”, says a frustrated international passenger.

“They’re not very transparent on the cancellations and this causes passengers more money, also some of the Air Niugini officers are rude. This is not my fault that the flight is cancelled. The least they could do is explain to us properly”, another frustrated international passenger shares.

“The lack of communication and continuous flight updates from Air Niugini was a disappointment; half the time we were lost because of no announcements about the delay in timing…” said a third frustrated traveller.

One passenger said; “they should compensate us as, this is inconveniencing us and costing us beyond our budgets”.

The situation has also raised concerns about the overall state of the aviation industry in Papua New Guinea.

Attempts to get ANG’s comments about the issues have been unsuccessful.

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Geekala Makes History

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A mother of three has created history for herself by becoming the first and only specialized female operator of Air Niugini’s Main Deck Loader. A machine used to load and unload larger containerized cargo from the main deck of large aircrafts. 36-year-old Michelle Geekala who hails from East Sepik and Gulf provinces and has worked with Air Niugini Cargo Department’s operations section since 2021.
Michelle said her journey has not been easy.
“It comes with its own challenges but you have to believe in yourself, even when no one does, you have to be your own supporter and critique, challenge yourself to be better than you were yesterday, said Geekala.
Her recent task was unloading heavy mining equipment from the main deck of a Boeing 747-400 series freighter at the Jacksons airport in Port Moresby.

Geekala had previously operated the Lower Deck Loader (LDL) for both the B747 and B737 freighters, but the recent task was her first on the Main Deck Loader.
Air Niugini’s Manager for Cargo Operations, Trevor Elly said the airline’s cargo department has always maintained a healthy level of female presence in its business and in particular its operational areas both within Port Moresby and the domestic network.
“We are proud of Michelle’s progress, breaking into an area where you find only men working there. She is currently the only female in the Port Moresby Operations unit who operates the MDL equipment and joins a legacy of other female Cargo Operations Staff including our current Cargo Business Development Manager.” said Elly.

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