New Zealand and Papua New Guinea Air Link Revival Accelerates With Air Niugini Leadership Appointment

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Subhankar Chakraborty

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September 10, 2026 07:39 GMT+5:30

The Air Niugini Auckland Port Moresby service revival has gained further momentum with The Walshe Group appointing aviation specialist Russell Williss as Sales & Marketing Manager for Air Niugini in New Zealand. The appointment comes ahead of the airline’s planned return to nonstop flights between Auckland and Port Moresby from November 2026.

With more than three decades of aviation experience, Williss has been selected to strengthen commercial engagement, travel partnerships and market development as the historic route prepares to reconnect New Zealand and Papua New Guinea after more than 26 years.

Air Niugini Strengthens New Zealand Strategy With Aviation Industry Veteran

The Walshe Group has announced that Russell Williss will take responsibility for leading Air Niugini’s sales and marketing activities in the New Zealand market. The appointment is expected to support the airline’s commercial objectives as it prepares to restart direct services between the two countries.

Williss brings more than 30 years of experience across aviation, travel and tourism. His background includes senior commercial and operational roles, providing extensive understanding of the New Zealand aviation landscape and established connections with travel trade partners and corporate customers.

Before joining The Walshe Group again, Williss held a senior leadership position with Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines, serving as Country Director New Zealand until November 2025. His previous experience also included working with The Walshe Group as Hawaiian Airlines’ New Zealand Sales Manager.

His career history includes roles as Director of Sales & Marketing at Platinum Chauffeur Drive and Corporate Sales Manager at Qantas. These positions have provided experience across airline sales, customer relationships and business development.

Leadership Appointment Supports Air Niugini New Zealand Operations

The new role will focus on expanding and managing Air Niugini New Zealand operations through stronger relationships with travel agencies, corporate partners, MICE stakeholders and emerging market segments.

Williss will be responsible for supporting sales growth initiatives, developing strategic partnerships and strengthening Air Niugini’s position within the New Zealand aviation sector. The appointment has been made at a significant stage for the airline as preparations continue for the return of its Auckland and Port Moresby connection.

The renewed focus on the New Zealand market reflects the importance of rebuilding international aviation links between the two destinations. The route is expected to provide renewed opportunities for travellers, businesses and tourism stakeholders connected to both countries.

The appointment also highlights the importance of experienced aviation leadership in developing international routes. With his previous market knowledge and industry relationships, Williss will oversee commercial activities designed to support the airline’s presence in New Zealand.

Auckland Port Moresby Direct Flights Set to Restore Historic Regional Connection

The return of Auckland Port Moresby direct flights from 17 November 2026 will mark the restoration of a nonstop air connection between New Zealand and Papua New Guinea after more than 26 years.

Air Niugini is scheduled to operate the service three times each week, creating a renewed link between Auckland and Papua New Guinea’s capital city. The route revival represents an important development for regional aviation connectivity and strengthens opportunities for travel between the two markets.

The upcoming service has increased attention on the importance of New Zealand Papua New Guinea air connectivity, particularly as airlines continue to rebuild international networks and strengthen cross-border links.

The Walshe Group’s appointment of Williss ahead of the route restart is intended to support market preparation and ensure that travel industry partners are engaged before operations begin.

Papua New Guinea Aviation Market Gains New Focus Ahead of Route Revival

The appointment comes as the Papua New Guinea aviation market receives renewed attention through the planned restoration of direct air links with New Zealand.

Air Niugini’s return to the Auckland market will be supported by targeted sales and marketing efforts led by Williss. His responsibilities will include working across travel trade, corporate and MICE segments to build awareness and strengthen commercial opportunities.

The route’s return will also reconnect two markets that have not had a direct aviation link for over two decades. The development represents a significant step in restoring regional air access between New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.

The Air Niugini Auckland Port Moresby service is expected to become a central element of the airline’s New Zealand strategy, supported by experienced leadership and renewed commercial planning.

Conclusion

The Air Niugini Auckland Port Moresby service is set to enter a new phase following the appointment of Russell Williss to lead sales and marketing activities in New Zealand. His extensive aviation background will support the airline’s preparations ahead of the November 2026 route return.

The relaunch of direct flights will strengthen New Zealand Papua New Guinea air connectivity and restore an important regional link after more than 26 years. With focused commercial leadership and renewed market engagement, Air Niugini is preparing to reinforce its presence in the New Zealand aviation sector.