Air Niugini Limited (ANL) has announced the appointment of Alan Milne as Chief Executive Officer, following approval by the National Executive Council (NEC).
The airline’s Board Chairman, Karl Yalo, described the appointment as timely, coming at a pivotal moment for the national carrier as it advances the Government-approved Re-Fleet Program and works to strengthen operational reliability and financial performance.
“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,” Yalo said.
“This transformation, backed by the Marape–Rosso Government and led by the stewardship of the State Enterprise Minister, William Duma, represents the largest capital investment in the country’s aviation history. It will set the platform for safer, more reliable services, stronger national connectivity, and long-term sustainability for our flag carrier.”
Proven Aviation Leadership
Milne is an aviation executive and engineer with over 44 years of experience across Papua New Guinea and Australia, with expertise in engineering, operations, and airline leadership. He previously served as Air Niugini’s CEO from 2018 to 2020, departing as the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped global aviation.
“Before that, he held senior executive roles with the Qantas Group, overseeing Engineering, Operations Performance, the Integrated Operations Centre, and Maintenance Operations—experience that guided a major airline through complex operational and market conditions,” Yalo said.
“Alan’s deep understanding of airline management in the Asia–Pacific region is exactly what Air Niugini needs at this time.”
Milne also served as CEO of Skytrans Airlines in Australia from 2020 to 2025, supporting regional air connectivity. He holds two university degrees, is a licensed aircraft engineer, and a qualified pilot.
Strategic Focus: Fleet Modernisation, Safety and Reliability
The Board has set clear expectations for the new CEO, emphasising safety, operational performance, customer experience, workforce stability, and disciplined delivery of the Re-Fleet Program.
“With the introduction of the Airbus A220 and the gradual retirement of older aircraft, Air Niugini is undertaking one of the most significant transformations in its 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,” Yalo said.
The programme includes phasing out the Fokker and Dash 8 Classic fleets and optimising the Q400 fleet, with a focus on safety, dispatch reliability, and schedule integrity.
“Operational reliability matters to every passenger and every business that depends on Air Niugini. We are committed to on-time performance, reducing aircraft-on-ground events, strengthening maintenance and engineering resilience, and embedding a safety-led culture throughout the organisation,” Yalo added.
Cargo: Essential for Connectivity and the Economy
Yalo highlighted that modernisation extends beyond passenger travel to air cargo, which 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—from medical and community supplies to parts keeping mining and infrastructure operations running, and high-value exports such as seafood. Air freight must be properly planned, coordinated, and delivered reliably.”
Collaboration and Accountability
The airline will continue working closely with Government, operational partners, and key stakeholders, including the National Airports Corporation, Niusky, Airbus, and other international organisations, to ensure smooth fleet transition and enhanced performance.
“Milne will be held to clear performance expectations aligned with Government, KCH, and ANL Board priorities. The Prime Minister has emphasised that Key Performance Indicators are the cornerstone measure for every CEO serving the State. Safety, reliability, service delivery, people leadership, and financial discipline will be central to evaluating his performance,” Yalo said.
Preparing for the Next Phase
Beyond immediate operational improvements, leadership under Milne will prepare Air Niugini for its next phase, including eventual partial privatisation.
“In the short term, the focus will be on maintaining and enhancing operations and profitability. In the medium term, we will prepare Air Niugini for initial partial privatisation in a way that best serves our customers, staff, KCH, the Government, and the people of Papua New Guinea,” Yalo said.
Looking Ahead
Yalo also thanked Captain Samiu Taufa for his service over the past six months.
“Captain Taufa led Air Niugini through a demanding period, including peak travel operations. He will continue as General Manager Flight Operations, working closely with Milne,” Yalo said.
“Air Niugini is not just an airline—it is the flag carrier of our nation. Our responsibility is to take it to the next level: safe, reliable, customer-focused, and financially sustainable for the long term,” Yalo concluded.
