Airlines PNG commences regular commercial flights to Bulolo

The historical mining town of Bulolo, Morobe province, took another giant step forward last Friday with the commencement of a regular passenger transport (RPT) by Airlines PNG.

Media personnel as well as the first batch of passengers were on board the Dash 8 flight to Bulolo last Friday morning, which was greeted by management and staff of PNG Forest Products, which owns the land on which the Bulolo Airport is built.

Captain Ross Fieldus and his first officer Russell Yappa made it look like just another ‘milk run’ with the flight taking just 40 minutes.

The Bulolo service, which will be every Monday and Friday, promises to greatly boost business and tourism in Bulolo, as well as the surrounding electorates of Menyamya, Huon, Markham and Lae.

Airlines PNG systems and distributions manager, Tremaine Flynn, said the decision to commence an RPT to Bulolo stemmed from its charter business.

“A year ago,” he said at a small reception at the Bulolo airport terminal, “we commenced a contract with Morobe Mining Joint Venture to move their personnel in and out of Bulolo with three flights a week.

“This has progressed into a daily service.

“We believe that many stakeholders are also recognizing the development and growth in this region of Morobe as more and more of them set up either direct or indirect services here.

“The introduction for this new RPT service not only represents confidence in the community and business sectors but it also sets the stage for new opportunities for business to begin.

“The flow-on effect of improved services and industry to the region will mean that the people in the community will directly benefit and we now encourage the community to take full advantage of this new service.

“Therefore, we believe that our decision to introduce the RPT service between Bulolo and Port Moresby is timely and will be supported by the community and business industry throughout the Wau/Bulolo area.”

Mr Flynn commended Bulolo MP Sam Basil, MMJV, and PNGFP for their support in making the service possible.

PNGFP deputy general manager Marinus Valks said: “PNG Forest Products is very pleased to see the return of a regular passenger service out of Bulolo again.

“We’re sure that the community is going to support this new service.

“It’s also a great opportunity for Airlines PNG, since the commencement of regular charter services last year.”