Newcrest Mining signs up PNG Air

Newcrest Mining has confirmed PNG Air as their Fixed Wing Aviation supplier for all services to Lihir Island from 13 August following a tender process for those services.

“PNG Air has been providing Newcrest Mining with scheduled passenger services to Lihir Island since October 2014, including transporting Newcrest staff to and from site. We’re very pleased to announce that following the recent tender PNG Air will also provide Newcrest with charter services from Cairns and Port Moresby” said Muralee Siva, PNG Air’s CEO.

“Moving Newcrest’s staff to the island is a logistically complex operation so we are providing a blend of charter and RPT services to achieve that in the most efficient and cost effective manner” said Siva. “The new ATR 72 aircraft is the largest aircraft that can operate to the island and the combination of greater uplift capability and increased passenger comfort together with the experience we have built up over the past 2 years with Newcrest allowed the Airline to provide a compelling solution to support the mine.”