Tomuriesa calls for Air Niugini CEO to be reinstated

Opposition Leader Douglas Tomuriesa has called on the Prime Minister and the Air Niugini Board to immediately reinstate Chief Executive Officer Gary Seddon following his suspension.

Speaking at a press conference in Port Moresby yesterday, Tomuriesa said the board’s decision was not in the interest of the travelling public of Papua New Guinea.

“As the responsible opposition, I'm calling directly to the Prime Minister to get the Board to reinstate the CEO of Air Niugini to his substantive position,” he said.

Mr Tomuriesa expressed strong personal support for Mr Seddon, praising his leadership style and hands-on approach.

“I’ve never seen a CEO of Air Niugini come down and be with the travelling public and make certain that the terminals are in order, that queues are short, and if flights are cancelled, he is in the terminals ensuring passengers are comfortable,” he said.

He credited Mr Seddon with driving key reforms and progress within the national airline, including the purchase of new A220 aircraft.

“Under this CEO, we have seen new planes being ordered, and what we are hearing is that in September, the planes will arrive in our country,” Mr Tomuriesa said.

He questioned the decision to replace Mr Seddon at a crucial time, saying: “Why should somebody come and do the hard work, use his wisdom to bring these planes into the country, and then somebody else comes and takes the credit? I think this is nonsense.”

Mr Tomuriesa concluded by urging the government to act swiftly.

He called on the Air Niugini Board, the Board of KCH [Kumul Consolidated Holdings], and the Prime Minister to immediately reinstate the CEO, for the safety of the travelling public and the workers of Air Niugini, as the country looks forward to celebrating the jubilee year in the coming weeks.

NBC Online is seeking comments from the Air Niugini board and management.