1987

The airline was established and started operations in 1987 and was originally known as Milne Bay Air. It was founded by John Wild Senior.

It was recognised for the use of a Gruman Goose - P2-JWB (RP-C864, VH-MBA)

It operated as a charter company in the resource development industry.

It was formerly known as MBA.

Airlines Papua New Guinea (APNG) is wholly owned by John Wild Senior.

 

1992

The airline obtained a Papua New Guinea Regular Public Transport (RPT) licence in September 1992.

 

1993

The airline introduced two pilot operations into its Twin Otter operations.

 

1997

Airlines PNG received its airline licence in March 1997.

 

2006

Airlines PNG introduces twice a week service using a leased Oz Jet aircraft from Brisbane to Port Moresby and return.

OzJet at Jackson's Airport

 

Airlines PNG announce it is raising K105 million (US$39million) through a public offering to acquire new aircraft that would include Twin Otter, two Dash 8s and a Boeing 737 aircraft.

August 2008

Airlines PNG are rumoured to be working with Australia's Virgin Blue for flights from Austral;ia t PNG and return.

October 2008

Airlines PNG and Virgin Blue / Pacific Blue announce code share flights between Brisbane and Port Moresby to commence in November ready for Christmas rush

First code shared flight with Pacific Blue Brisbane to Port Moresby and Return

June 2009 - Airlines PNG announces the appointment of Mr Gary Toomey as Airlines PNG's new Chief Executive Officer.

September 2009 - Airlines PNG announces that it has applied to the PNG Department of Transport for traffic rights to a number of Asian cities.

2010

March 2010 - Airlines PNG hosts European regional aircraft manufacturer ATR for a two day visit as it demonstrates the new generation ATR 72-500 aircraft to Airlines PNG and a number of the company’s resource industry clients.

May 2010 - Airlines PNG formally sign an agreement to provide dedicated air services to Esso HigWands Limited (EHL), operator of the PNG LNG project.

2011

January . APNG announces 10th De Havilland Twin Otter with a capacity of 19 seats is in USA being prepared for delivery in April

May 2011, Airlines PNG announces expansion of flights -- http://giaman.com/pg/?210b7f

13 October 2011 - P2-MCJ MSN125 Dash 8 102 crashed enroute Lae to Madang.

Airlines PNG had a web site that could be found at -- http://www.apng.com

2015

In 2015 the airline rebranded itself as PNG Air.  It is progressively replacing its Dash 8-100 fleet with ATR 72-600s, having signed a firm order for six ATRs with options for 14 more.  -- http://www.pngair.com.pg/

2015 Destinations

2016

December - One year on. PNG Air celebrates its first birthday in December with the following being achieved in the first year of operation.

• Brought 5 brand new ATR 72-600 aircraft into its fleet;
• Renewed our Airline Operators Certificate for 3 years which represents a vote of confidence in us and our safety systems by the regulator;
• Opened up new services to Vanimo, Buka and Aropa;
• Confirmed the airline will begin international services to Jayapura from Mt Hagen;
• Opened new sales outlets in Lae and Port Moresby;
• Introduced customer service initiatives including SMS notification for flight disrupts, a Tok Pisin website and on-line check–in;
• Launched a staff share scheme to give our staff the opportunity to take a direct ownership interest in the airline;
• Arranged space for customer lounges at Kiunga, Mt Hagen, Tokua, Lae and Port Moresby which will open in the first quarter of 2017.

 

2017

April - CNN lists PNG Air’s livery as one of the best in the world.  PNG Air joined major world airlines such as British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, All Nippon Airlines, Qatar Airways and Taiwan’s EVA on CNN’s list.

CNN’s full list of the best aircraft liveries can be seen at http://giaman.com/s/5v