PNG News Test:Tongan Aviation Update
Earlier this month, Tonga's Ministry of Civil Aviation announced only one airline would be operating the domestic routes within the Kingdom and that the other airline's certificate would not be renewed. In May 2004, Royal Tongan Airlines collapsed. Air Peau and FlyNiU airlines have been providing daily internal air services (except Sundays) since June 2004. Pesi Fonua, the editor and publisher of the Matangi Tonga says in his article dated 6 August 2004, "Economically, the sudden announcement that only one will be allowed to continue, looks like a two-steps forward and four-steps backward move by government, which since 2002 has embarked on a multi-million pa'anga economic reform program, with emphasis on the development of the private sector and the creation of a level playing field for entrepreneurial competition." Last Thursday, one of Air National's Directors and Venisi Ta'ofa, Fly NiU's Marketing Manager and shareholder, flew to Vava'u to meet with the private sector to answer questions and dispel any rumors. Although they appeared exhausted by the battle, they were reportedly prepared to fight for the continuation of FlyNiU's services. Apparently, under the Consumer Protection Act, the Government's proposal contravenes and is grounds for a lawsuit. Subsequently, FlyNiU contacted a lawyer and has filed a judicial appeal. On Monday 16 August, Tonga Civil Aviation revoked FlyNiU's certificate and FlyNiU was grounded. All FlyNiU passengers with connecting international flights were referred to Air Peau. On Tuesday 17 August, FlyNiU received confirmation from the Supreme Court of Tonga that the revocation of their foreign airline operators certificate had been quashed. Thus, FlyNiU is legally permitted to continue their commercial operation until such time as their current foreign airline operators certificate expires on 30 September 2004 (with the right to extend to 15 November 2004). FlyNiU has now resumed normal services. To the delight of many, the Dash 8 is once again seen winging its way to and from Lupepau'u airport in Vava'u! (Source: E-Bulletin from Friendly Islands Kayak Company (FIKCO) 24/08/2004)

PNG News:Fantastic Festivals of the World (PNG)
The United States based television program Discovery HD Theater Channel, a part of the Discovery Network, will visit PNG in September to film both the Goroka Show and the Tufi Cultural Show. This is their first time to PNG and they will also visit Rabaul and Alotau. Discovery HD Theater has a 10-15 minute segment on the Discovery Channel titled the “Fantastic Festivals of the World” where PNG will be featured. The Discovery team blankets the festival and surrounding area capturing the “feel” of the event. Every program features the festival and then takes the viewers to an “Off the Beaten Path” segment. These stories highlight the city and region where the festivals take place by emphasizing its attractions and activities, culture and historical sights, great scenery, music and gastronomy typical of the location. Email: hpokapin@pngtourism.org.pg for more information. (Source: PTA E-tourism Newsletter 23/08/2004)

© Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority | P.O Box 1291 | Port Moresby | Papua New Guinea Tel :  +675 320 0211 | Fax :  +675 320 0223 | info@pngtourism.org.pg Design by RéserveGroup | Powered by OpenCMS This site has been optimised for Internet Explorer 6+, Firefox 1.5+ or Netscape 7+ with Adobe Flash Player 7.0 installed.