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Air Niugini Limited has announced the appointment of Alan Milne (right) as Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This decision has been approved by the National Executive Council (NEC). The Chairman of the Board of Air Niugini, Karl Yalo (left), stated that Milne’s appointment comes at a crucial time for the national airline as it advances the government-approved Re-Fleet program and strengthens operational reliability and financial performance.
Yalo emphasized that Air Niugini is entering a new era, with fleet modernization and operational improvements at the forefront. This is part of the largest capital investment in the history of the country’s aviation, supported by the government under Prime Minister James Marape and Minister for State Enterprises, William Duma. This transformation aims to create a foundation for safer and more reliable services as well as stronger national connectivity.
Experienced Aviation Manager with Extensive Regional Knowledge
Alan Milne brings over 44 years of aviation experience, both in Papua New Guinea and Australia. He has worked in engineering, operations, and airline management. Previously, Milne served as CEO of Air Niugini from 2018 to 2020 before leaving the company due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly impacted the global aviation industry. Prior to that, he held various leadership positions within the Qantas Group, where he was responsible for engineering and operational performance.
Yalo highlighted that Milne’s deep understanding of the challenges of airline management in the Asia-Pacific region is of great significance for Air Niugini. Milne was also CEO of Skytrans Airlines in Australia and is both a trained pilot and a licensed aircraft engineer.
Economic Importance of Air Freight
Yalo pointed out that modernization concerns not only passenger transport but also the time-sensitive movement of goods that are vital for national development. Air Niugini plays a central role in air freight, which is important for the economy and the well-being of the population. Reliable delivery of medical and other essential goods is crucial.
Preparing for the Next Phase
In addition to stabilizing short-term performance, Milne will also prepare the airline for a potential partial privatization. Yalo stated that the short-term goals include maintaining and improving operational processes and profitability.
“Air Niugini is not just an airline – it is the national airline of our country,” said Yalo. “Our responsibility is to take it to the next level: safe, reliable, customer-focused, and financially sustainable for the future.”
