Air Niugini Limited (ANL) today announced the appointment of Mr Alan Milne as Chief Executive Officer, with the appointment approved by the National Executive Council (NEC).

The Chairman of the Board of Air Niugini, Mr Karl Yalo, said Mr Milne’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for the national airline as it advances the Government-approved Re-Fleet Program and strengthens operational reliability and financial performance.

“I am pleased to announce that Mr Alan Milne has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of Air Niugini Limited, following approval by the National Executive Council,” Mr Yalo said.

“Air Niugini is entering a new era as we modernise our fleet, lift operational performance, and deliver the service standards Papua New Guineans expect from their national carrier—at a time when the airline is undertaking the largest capital investment in the country’s aviation history, backed by the Marape–Rosso Government and led by the stewardship of the State Enterprise Minister, Hon. William Duma. This transformation will set the platform for safer, more reliable services, stronger national connectivity, and long-term sustainability for our flag carrier.”

A Proven Aviation Leader with Deep PNG experience

Mr Yalo said Mr Milne is an aviation executive and engineer with over 44 years of aviation experience across Papua New Guinea and Australia, with a track record in engineering, operations and airline leadership.

“Mr Milne previously served as Air Niugini’s CEO from 2018 to 2020, departing as the COVID-19 pandemic began to reshape global aviation,” Mr Yalo said.

“Before that, he held a range of senior executive roles within the Qantas Group, including leadership responsibilities spanning Engineering, Operations Performance, the Integrated Operations Centre and Maintenance Operations—experience that helped guide a major airline through complex operational and market conditions.”

“Alan’s deep understanding of the complexities of airline management in the Asia/Pacific region is exactly what is needed at this time for Air Niugini,” Mr Yalo said.

Mr Milne also served as Chief Executive Officer of Skytrans Airlines in Australia from 2020 to 2025, supporting the development and growth of regional air connectivity. Alan is double university degree qualified, a licensed aircraft engineer and a qualified pilot.

Strategic Focus: Re-fleet Delivery, Safety, Reliability and Customer Outcomes

Mr Yalo said the Board and shareholder have set clear expectations for the new CEO, with a strong emphasis on safety, operational performance, customer experience, workforce stability, and disciplined delivery of the re-fleet transition.

“The global aviation industry is changing rapidly and Air Niugini will not be left behind,” Mr Yalo said. “With the introduction of the Airbus A220 and the progressive retirement of our older aircraft, we are undertaking one of the most significant transformations in the airline’s history. This transition—from aircraft approaching four decades in service to a modern, efficient fleet—must be executed safely, responsibly and with minimal disruption to the travelling public.”

Air Niugini’s re-fleet program includes the introduction of the Airbus A220 and the planned transition away from ageing aircraft, including the Fokker and Dash 8 Classic fleet and changes associated with the Q400 fleet, with a focus on strengthening safety, dispatch reliability and schedule integrity as the airline modernizes.

“Operational reliability matters to every passenger and every business that depends on Air Niugini,” Mr Yalo said. “We will be focused on on-time performance, schedule integrity, reducing aircraft-on-ground events, strengthening maintenance and engineering resilience, and ensuring a safety-led culture in every part of the organization.”

Cargo: essential to national connectivity and economic activity

Mr Yalo emphasized that modernization is not only about passenger travel, but also about the time-sensitive movement of goods that supports livelihoods and national development.

“Air Niugini’s role goes beyond passenger transport. Air cargo is vital for our economy and the wellbeing of our people,” Mr Yalo said. “From essential medical and community supplies, to parts that keep mining and infrastructure operations running, to high-value exports such as seafood, air freight must be properly planned, coordinated and delivered with reliability.”

Working with Partners and Stakeholders

Mr Yalo said Air Niugini will continue working closely with partners across the aviation ecosystem, including Government and key operational stakeholders, to strengthen the airline’s performance and deliver the re-fleet program.

“Mr Milne will work closely with the Air Niugini Board and with our partners—including the National Airports Corporation, Niusky, Airbus and other relevant international organizations—to advance the airline and ensure a smooth transition to the next generation fleet,” Mr Yalo said.

Accountability and KPI-Driven Performance

Mr Yalo said the new CEO will be held to clear performance expectations aligned to Government, KCH and ANL Board priorities.

“The Prime Minister has made it clear that Key Performance Indicators are the cornerstone measure of every CEO in serving the State. Mr Milne understands the standards KCH and ANL expect and the outcomes we need to deliver,” he said. “We will scrutinize performance carefully, with a clear focus on safety, reliability, service delivery, people leadership, and financial discipline.”

Preparing for Next Phase, including Partial Privatization

Mr Yalo noted that in addition to stabilizing and improving near-term performance, the leadership agenda includes preparing the airline for its next phase.

“In the short term, Mr Milne and his team will be focused on maintaining and enhancing operations and profitability,” he said. “In the medium term, we will prepare Air Niugini for initial partial privatization at the right time and in a way that is in the best interests of our customers, our staff, KCH, the Government and the people of Papua New Guinea.”

Appreciation for Captain Samiu Taufa

Mr Yalo also thanked Captain Samiu Taufa for his service over the past six months.

“I thank and commend Captain Samiu Taufa for his diligent service as Officer-in-Charge over the past six months,” Mr Yalo said. “This has been a busy and demanding period, including peak travel operations, and Captain Taufa rose to the challenges. He will continue in his role as General Manager Flight Operations and will work closely with Mr Milne, with whom he has an established working relationship.”

Looking Ahead

“Air Niugini is not just an airline—it is the flag carrier of our nation,” Mr Yalo said. “Our responsibility is to take it to the next level: safe, reliable, customer-focused, and financially sustainable for the long term.”