Qantas brings back route after 50 years

It’s the destination with one of the biggest rainforests in the world, and a stunning display or coral under crystal clear waters. Now, it’s easier than ever to get to.

Qantas airlines have announced they will be launching a new international route, which the carrier has not had in the sky for almost 50 years.

The new service, between Sydney and Papua New Guinea’s Port Moresby, will operate two return flights each week adding to the airline’s already existing service from Brisbane.

“These flights will meet the growing demand from the business community for travel between

Australia and Papua New Guinea,” Mr Wallace said.

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

Qantas say the new route comes from a growing demand from the “business community”. Picture: iStock

Papua New Guinea, while trailing well behind Fiji, Bali and New Zealand when it comes to Australian tourism visitation, is steadily growing in popularity largely due to containing the world’s third largest rainforest, crystal clear waters, and 45,000km of coral reefs.

In 2019, less than 80,000 people visited PNG, but as visitation increases — so do accommodation offerings.

Earlier this year, Marriott International announced they would be expanding their accommodation into Papua New Guinea – marketing those wishing to have an “extended stay”.

The hotel features 88 modern apartments from one-bedroom suites to two-bedroom penthouses. Each apartment has upscale furnishings, separate living areas, fully-equipped kitchens and in-room washers and dryers.

“We are thrilled to establish our inaugural foothold in Papua New Guinea with this milestone opening”, said Sean Hunt, area vice-president of Australia, New Zealand and Pacific for Marriott International, in a statement.

“This is also a debut for the Marriott Executive Apartments brand in the region, allowing us to diversify our offering to cater to ambitious and adventurous travellers who seek a premium, trusted extended-stay experience.”

Qantas will start flying from Sydney to Port Moresby for the first time in more than five decades.

Papua New Guinea currently has travel advisory warnings in place, with SmartTraveller urging visitors to “exercise a high degree of caution in Papua New Guinea overall due to high levels of serious crime, with “higher levels” applying in some areas.

“Protests and civil disorder can escalate quickly,” the advisory states.

“Avoid areas where violence occurs and be alert to personal safety risks.”

Papua New Guinea is growing in popularity. Picture: Supplied

The route is the latest international service to be added to Qantas’ network out of Sydney, with the airline suggesting it will support business and trade between Australia and Papua New Guinea.

Jetstar, owned by the Qantas Group, also announced the return of a popular route between Sydney and Japan this week.

The new route, between Sydney and Osaka (Kansai), had its first flight on Tuesday and marks the first time in 15 years the low-cost carrier has operated the route.

Jetstar announced a new route to Japan this week. Picture: iStock

“Australians’ love for Japan continues to grow and the strength of the Australian dollar against the Yen means it’s incredibly affordable right now,” Jetstar’s executive manager of customer relations Jenn Armor said in a statement.

“This is the third direct service we’ve launched from Australia to Japan in the last six months and the second to Osaka, with strong demand for our existing flights.

“As the food capital of Japan, Osaka has so much to offer Aussie travellers, with incredible night markets, street stalls and Michelann star restaurants.”

Prices from Sydney to Osaka, which is Japan’s second biggest city after Tokyo, will start from just $363. It will run three return services per week on its Boeing 787 Dreamliners.

– with Shireen Khalil