Qantas customers travelling between Australia and Papua New Guinea can now take advantage of a new direct connection between the two countries.

The national carrier yesterday launched its inaugural service from Sydney to Port Moresby, the airline’s first commercial passenger flight between the two cities in more than five decades.

Two return flights will operate each week with the airline’s Boeing 737 aircraft, adding more than 36,000 seats on the route each year. The flights add to Qantas’ existing daily Brisbane-Port Moresby service.

Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace said the new route would help strengthen the deep ties between the two countries.

“These flights will meet the growing demand from the business community for travel between Australia and Papua New Guinea,” said Mr Wallace.

“Our new Sydney service will save customers at least three hours in travel time on return trip by avoiding a stopover in Brisbane.”

Fares are available at qantas.com or through travel agents.

Imagery available here.

Information on background:

• Qantas began services to Papua New Guinea in the 1940s with two light aircraft stationed in Lae for local operations. Qantas’ four engine DC4 Skymaster began flying the Sydney – Port Moresby – Lae route in 1950.
• In 1959, Port Moresby was used as a refuelling point for Qantas flights to Hong Kong.
• The route is the latest international service to be added to Qantas’ network out of Sydney and will support business and trade between Australia and Papua New Guinea.
• Customers travelling to Australia from Papa New Guinea will be able to take advantage of connections with Qantas’ domestic flight routes and international network.
• Qantas customers and Frequent Flyers will be able to earn and use Qantas Points on the flights and enjoy premium service, including complimentary food and drinks, checked baggage and lounge access in Sydney.