PNG Air

[Deleted member 29185]

I'm not entirely sure where this belongs, so feel free to move mods, if there is a more suited thread.

I took my first flight with PNG Air since the rebadge (ex Airlines PNG) and given I couldn't see any reports here on AFF, I decided I should add one.

I also jagged one of the three new ATR 72-600's. PNG Air intend to increase that number to five before Christmas (I wonder if they know VA are getting rid of a few)! Well, basically, if you like VA's ATR's than you'll like these as they're the same (including the same uncomfortable seats). I'm certainly no fan of these, but having new aircraft that we know has to be a plus (I guess). I've mentioned previously that I do like the tail livery and I think these aircraft are pretty well suited to these sectors (I did POM-HGU today ... about 1.5 hours).

The in flight snack even mimicked VA (coffee, tea, juice or water plus a couple of biscuits) but the safety briefing was delivered only in Tok Pisin. The flight attendants were extremely pleasant and one of them, noticing I was taking some photos of my travel companions (some highlanders who had never flown before), even came and asked me if I would like her to take a photo of me with my team! That was a thoughtful touch.

The flight was on time and everything was pretty streamlined so all in all, I can't complain (except about those awful seats) and I'd have no hesitation in flying with them again. As a side, they have a fabulous in-flight magazine which is a great read as it focusses on PNG tourist spots, which are not all that well known.

 

[NoName]

What champagne do they serve in F?

 

[samh004]

The tail is pretty awesome!

 

[graxx]

Flying in PNG is an amazing experience and I have a lot of extraordinary memories of past and recent flights. Like waiting at the old terminal in Port Moresby and seeing two guys holding a live croc with its mouth tied up with string. The didn't speak english and the security officer, on enquiring at my request what they thought they were doing, found out that they were waiting for tourists who they had heard bought crocodile handbags etc.
Or the time our flight was cancelled and we had to collect our bags from the tarmac- I picked up a sticky-taped misshapen box from on top of my bag and the box started shaking and jumping about- just a local taking home a live chook!

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Flying in PNG is an amazing experience....

I'd actually extend on that statement to say being in PNG is an amazing experience. I've been in and out of here now for about 3 years and just love it. I do like the old Air Niugini motto which was "PNG, Land of the Unexpected", and never a more accurate statement has been uttered, I'd reckon. Apparently they stopped using it as they think people in general would prefer the unexpected not to happen whilst they're flying! :shock:

I've got a new phone and took some video (to try out the 16M camera) during my HGU-RGE flight this morning and got some reasonable highland flying footage (except the Twotters windows were pretty grubby), including the landing on the ski jump at Kairik, so I'll try to upload it. I've never used the "Insert Video" button before, but I'll give it a try, but I'll add it the "View from my Office" thread as I wasn't on PNG Air for that flight.

 

[Mattg]

An interesting read, thanks for the trip report!

Is it just me, or are the seat numbers back to front on that ATR 72?

 

[esseeeayeenn]

An interesting read, thanks for the trip report!

Is it just me, or are the seat numbers back to front on that ATR 72?

Looks that way, which would make a lot of sense due to the rear stairs.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

An interesting read, thanks for the trip report!

Is it just me, or are the seat numbers back to front on that ATR 72?

Well spotted eagle eye!

They are indeed numbered from back to front and the cabin crew point that out as you board. They must get sick of saying it, but I'm guessing they get a whole swag of people barging forward and start looking at row numbers about half way up, only to find they passed row 3 miles back! Can you imagine the chaos that would ensue?

 

[drron]

Ah yes flying in PNG.Though I did it late 60s with TAA.
Remember well Lae to Rabaul.Fellow with little clothing across the aisle,spear in one hand and a pig under the other arm.I had wondered about all the holes in the DC3 roof.When we hit turbulence I found out the reason.Of course at that point the pig escaped.Didn't need IFE.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Ah yes flying in PNG.Though I did it late 60s with TAA.
Remember well Lae to Rabaul.Fellow with little clothing across the aisle,spear in one hand and a pig under the other arm.I had wondered about all the holes in the DC3 roof.When we hit turbulence I found out the reason.Of course at that point the pig escaped.Didn't need IFE.

That pig would have been worth considerable money. They are still today, the most prized component in the bride price paid in the highlands. It's not uncommon for a bride price to be around 50 pigs and K10000 cash ... with a pig valued at about K5000, it makes for an expensive wedding and I have heard it uttered that it's really like paying for your divorse in advance :shock:! Once paid, hubby can play up like a two bob watch, but the missus gets nothing if she leaves. It's the most amazing circus at times. Multiple wifes in the highlands is not just acceptable, but practiced regularly (the PNG PM has 20 or so the rumour has it) but the missus still tends to get jealous and has been known to remove hubbies most prized parts (and worse) with a bush knife when/if he gets caught playing up!