Air Niugini chairman Fredrick Reiher described the start-up of the service as a significant milestone, saying it would increase business opportunities and between the cities.
"With the growing number of New Guineans in Townsville, the success of the service will depend on many facets, but the people-to-people link between the cities will be foremost among many," Reiher said.
Townsville CEO Patricia O'Callaghan said the start of the direct flights would help the economies of both countries and provide business opportunities and create relationships so that both cities could grow and work together.
Prime Minister Peter O'Neill, who was aboard the flight, said the new service would give opportunities to families and students living and studying in Townsville to fly home direct. "We also hope to get more people to visit Papua New Guinea over the next few years."
