Qantas has taken flight with a brand new direct service between Sydney and Port Moresby, marking the airline’s first commercial passenger route on this path in over 50 years.
This exciting development strengthens the longstanding ties between the two nations.
A Rich History Takes Flight Again
This new route isn’t Qantas’ first foray into Papua New Guinea skies. The airline’s relationship with the nation dates back to the 1940s, when it began operations with two light aircraft stationed in Lae.
Qantas’ iconic four-engine DC4 Skymaster even graced the Sydney-Port Moresby-Lae route in 1950. Notably, Port Moresby also served as a refueling point for Qantas flights to Hong Kong in 1959.
Sydney-Port Moresby in 2024
The new service operates twice weekly, utilizing Boeing 737 aircraft and adding over 36,000 seats annually to the route.
This complements Qantas’ existing daily service between Brisbane and Port Moresby, offering passengers even greater flexibility and convenience.
“These flights directly address the growing demand for travel between Australia and Papua New Guinea, particularly within the business community,” said Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace.
Passengers flying from Sydney will enjoy a time savings of at least three hours per round trip by eliminating the need for a stopover in Brisbane.
Supporting trade and travel experiences
The Sydney-Port Moresby service also becomes the latest addition to Qantas’ international network out of Sydney.
This direct connection is poised to significantly bolster trade and business travel between Australia and Papua New Guinea.
Passengers traveling from Papua New Guinea to Australia can seamlessly connect with Qantas’ extensive domestic network and international flights.
Qantas Frequent Flyers rejoice
Qantas customers and Frequent Flyers can look forward to earning and redeeming Qantas Points on these flights.
They’ll also continue to enjoy the premium service Qantas is known for, including complimentary food and beverages, checked baggage allowance, and access to the Sydney lounge.
Australia and PNG: An Enduring Relationship
Qantas’ new direct service between Sydney and Port Moresby underscores the strong and multifaceted relationship between Australia and Papua New Guinea.
Papua New Guinea gained independence from Australia in 1975, and both nations have since fostered close ties.
Australia remains Papua New Guinea’s largest development partner, while the two countries collaborate extensively on matters of trade, security, and cultural exchange.
This new route promises to further strengthen these bonds by facilitating business travel, tourism, and deeper people-to-people connections.
By making travel more accessible and efficient, Qantas is playing a key role in supporting the continued growth and prosperity of this vital partnership.
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