PNG GOVERNMENT GIVES IN-PRINCIPLE APPROVAL TO MERGER OF AIR NIUGINI AND AIRLINES PNG

Airlines of Papua New Guinea Limited (“Airlines PNG”) congratulates the PNG Government on the announcement today approving the in-principle merger of Air Niugini Limited, the state owned national carrier of PNG, with Airlines PNG. Airlines PNG ill work closely with the PNG Government and Air Niugini to develop the merger ransaction. A Memorandum of Understanding between the three parties will see the establishment of a Merger Implementation Office under the leadership of Rt Hon Sir Mekere Morauta, Minister for Public Enterprises. The Merger Implementation Office will establish the transaction structure and timeline for implementation, and ensure the people of PNG receive full and fair value via a fully transparent process and independent valuation of both companies. The merger is expected to bring great pportunities for the people of PNG, with immediate plans to extend aviation ervices into a range of rural areas not presently well served. Specifically Airlines PNG congratulates the PNG Government for their vision in making this possible. The merger will enable the combined airline which will operate one of the largest fleet of aircraft in the South Pacific, to better cover an extensive range of international and domestic destinations, serving locations from Singapore right down to small villages in PNG. A larger and stronger national carrier is also expected to provide increased employment opportunities for PNG staff following from the expansion of operations and the internalisation of certain support services which are currently provided off shore. The merger remains subject to the approval of Airlines PNG shareholders and approval of the final transaction by the Government, together with all other necessary corporate, regulatory and third party approvals. Airlines PNG’s Board remains committed to maximising value for its shareholders.This
will continue to be the central premise upon which the merger transaction will be evaluated. Airlines PNG will keep the market informed of further developments with the merger transaction as appropriate.

For further information contact:
Media Relations: Ph: 302 3194 Email: media.relations@apng.com
Investor Relations: Ph: 302 3234 Email: investor.relations@apng.com

PNG FM launches new radio station

PNG FM the mother company of Nau FM and Yumi FM had just recently launched another radio station. This time its market group is targeted at around 25yr and over. Launched during the independence long weekend on the 16th of September by popular radio host, Justin Kili, most of the songs goes as far as the 60s, 70s,80s and the 90s. You can tune in on the FM band of 101.0 mhz. It is currently heard in Port Moresby and Lae but soon to roll out to other major centres around the country.

POM Grammer Celebrates Independence

Independence fever has already begun with many schools celebrating before their term break. For Port Moresby Grammer, it was the same. Jeremiah’s class performed a Kiwai contemporary dance for the school. The school breaks for term III

Leading to Independence celebrations

As we approach Independence day celebrations, there are many events that will take place around the country. Here in the nation’s capital the streets are all lined up with the PNG flag. There are events already planned and is out on the media for NCD. There will be a float in the morning going around the city. Most celebrations will be at Jack Pidik Park where traditional singsings, choir, concerts and art & craft market, flower displays and Governors fund raising ball.Celebrations will start on the 15th of September with float around the city. followed by a live concert. Friday will see singsing groups from the 20 provinces led by the Police band. Official Celebrations will begin with the National Athem and Pledge. This will be followed by and an aerial show "Wan Kantri". After the offical ceremony there will be live band concert led by Moses Tau until 8 in the evening with a spectacular fire works. Saturday will see the continuation of celebration and should end in the afternoon. Happy Independence Papua New Guinea!

Petty Thief Recieves Street Justice

As people get fed up with the law and order situation, this is what happens. Street Justice takes it course. This petty thief has being applying his trade (pickpocket) for quite a while. I guess he put his hands into the wrong pocket this time and paid the ultimate price. This occurred recently at four mile bus stop Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.

Noki calls it quits

Had the honor of working with a fine gentleman who hails from East Sepik Province. Though looking frail and old with a scruffy appearance, one would be surprise of the old man’s rich background that began as a young man. I was surprised one morning when he was doing his usual office rounds that he did stop for a chat. The usual morning greetings began and we engaged in a full conversation. Hes being to my village and stayed there for an year he tells me. One story led to the other and I realized that this old man was no ordinary man. He was indeed a sailor. He has been to the four corners of the globe sailing on huge ocean liners. After many years of working, he has decided to quit as his ailing body is not strong enough anymore. We did a farewell reception for him on the 2nd of September 2011. The Registrar on behalf of the Registry Office thanked him for his services to the organization and wished him well for the future. Noki as he is known, Farewell and happy retirement!.