Often referred to as PNG’s premier charter airline, Tropicair recently completed a major upgrade of its terminal at Jackson’s Airport.
Tropicair CEO, Ivona Kadlec, explains why.
“In 2023 Tropicair commemorated 25 years of operation in PNG. As the airline has grown over that time, so too have the number of passengers and clients. Thus, there was a need to provide more space for waiting passengers, especially in the peak morning times.
“Whilst expanding the space, we took the opportunity to totally upgrade the terminal and modernise it, to make it a bright, fresh, pleasant place for passengers to wait for their flights.
“Our passengers and clients now get to enjoy a spacious public terminal, with more seating in a bright, appealing environment decorated with not only reference to PNG’s aviation history, but also to the beauty of the country we operate in.
“There is a new VIP lounge with hot and cold drink facilities and screen for viewing programs. Additionally, passengers now can choose to wait in our new under cover outdoor seating in an attractive garden setting.
“For convenience, passengers can be picked up and dropped off just a few metres from the terminal in Tropicair’s secure car park. They also get to enjoy the benefits of a terminal where all the operations of the airline are close at hand and questions and issues can be addressed directly by Tropicair personnel responsible for the various aspects of the operation.”
Driven by the vision of founder and MD Tony Honey, Tropicair commenced charter operations in 1998 with a single aircraft and has since expanded in size and scope to offer a modern, well-maintained jet and turbine powered aircraft fleet, delivering passengers and freight to destinations both countrywide and internationally.
The fleet consists of one Cessna Citation CJ3 jet aircraft; four Beechcraft Super King Air B200s; two Cessna C208B Caravans; and three De Havilland DHC6 Twin Otters, with further plans for future expansion.
More than just a charter airline, Tropicair offers a wide range of services including aero-medical operations, secure transport movements, surveillance flights; government, VIP and private charters; and resource company requirements covering both passenger and freight services.
The scope of its operations cover the whole of PNG as well as within the broader region to Australia, other Pacific Nations and into SE Asia.
Tropicair also provides a valuable community service that helps connect Papua New Guineans by offering Fares & Freight services to the Gulf and Western Provinces, as well as to Tufi in Oro Province.
“Flight safety is our company culture” says Ms Kadlec. “We are CASA PNG and CASA Australia compliant. Our safety record in the PNG aviation industry is exemplary and we hold BARS accreditation at the much-coveted Gold status.
“We pride ourselves on the quality of our aircraft and the depth of knowledge and training that our maintenance and flight crews possess.”
