Qantas' direct non-stop services to PNG

QANTAS has been swiftly given approval by the Australian government to operate direct non-stop services to Papua New Guinea, and has received all the seats that it requested, The National reports.

All 888 seats, or 12 weekly services with a 74-seat Bombardier, have been given the green light from the international air services commission, as there were no competitors who sought to block the move.

Interestingly, despite Qantas having requested the rights for its subsidiary QantasLink, the commission has given the carrier approval to also ply the route with its Jetstar brand if needed.

“Qantas is an established carrier which is clearly capable of obtaining the necessary approvals and of implementing the proposed operations,” the government in its announcement, said.

“This means that there is public benefit arising from the use of the entitlements.

“The commission will allocate to Qantas the 888 seats of capacity per week it has sought.”

Currently, Qantas code-shares on the route with Air Niugini, while Pacific Blue code-shares with Airlines of PNG.

Qantas plans to launch services in July this year.

This move is set to become QantasLink’s first international destination.