The National Airports Corporation (NAC) has awarded contracts to three Papua New Guinean transport companies to operate premium taxi services at Port Moresby International Airport, marking the first time locally owned operators will provide a dedicated airport taxi service under a formal concession.
The premium taxi service will begin on July 13, with contracts awarded to ODESH Ltd, trading as ODESH Taxi Services, Khoco Ltd, trading as Star Trip, and Pikup Ride Hailing Ltd, trading as Pikup PNG.
The companies were selected through a public tender after meeting NAC's operational and service requirements.
Acting Managing Director Dominic Kaumu said the initiative forms part of NAC's broader airport improvement programme aimed at raising service standards while creating business opportunities for Papua New Guinean companies.
"NAC is pleased to support Papua New Guinean transport businesses to thrive in providing international-standard premium taxi services that are safe, reliable, clean, affordable and convenient for both domestic and international passengers," Kaumu said.
He said the programme aligns with the development priorities of the Papua New Guinea government and the vision of the Minister for Civil Aviation and the NAC Board to modernise airport infrastructure and passenger services.
Kaumu noted that the launch of the premium taxi service complements the ongoing Port Moresby International Airport Redevelopment Programme, where construction of the first phase—the expansion of the domestic terminal—is already underway.
He said NAC wants to work more closely with Papua New Guinean businesses as airport redevelopment progresses.
"Providing this premium taxi service complements the current developments and initiatives, and NAC is encouraging partnerships with PNG companies and businesses to come with us on the journey to make a positive impact and improve airport infrastructure and services," he said.
Kaumu said quality ground transport is an essential component of any international airport and plays an important role in shaping visitors' first impressions of Papua New Guinea.
"When people land here, they should be able to walk out, there's nice clean taxis, drivers are well dressed and it helps lift the image of our airport and our country," he said.
ODESH Ltd Managing Director Issac Jipsy said the company understands the standards expected of airport transport operators.
"ODESH is aligned with NAC's expectations and the modern international standards. We are thankful for the opportunity and will try our utmost best to contribute to your greater vision," Jipsy said.
Star Trip said the partnership supports its mission of providing safe and reliable transport services. The company said it has completed more than 200,000 trips since launching its operations and continues to modernise its services based on customer experience.
Representing Pikup PNG, Nelson Temoana said the company welcomed the opportunity to partner with NAC and looked forward to delivering premium airport transport services.
The contracts were signed on July 2 following several months of planning, including a public tender process, risk assessments, and the installation of dedicated airport signage and passenger pick-up bays at the terminal.
Before services commence, the three operators are completing airport induction programmes and operational requirements in coordination with NAC, aviation security personnel and airport operations teams.
