Aviation & Trade Links: Air Niugini has resumed the Port Moresby–Tokyo route with its first non-stop flight on July 18, set to run twice weekly (Wednesdays and Saturdays), boosting travel and potential freight and tourism flows. Regional Connectivity: PNG Air launched a new Moro–Mt Hagen–Port Moresby service every Monday and Thursday, restoring direct scheduled access to Moro after a six-year gap. Banking Leadership: TISA Bank appointed Luke Kaul as substantive CEO, aiming for disciplined growth and operational stability as it moves beyond establishment. Mining & Jobs: St Barbara reported an 8% rise in Q4 gold production at New Simberi, while Newmont Lihir opened recruitment for roles across engineering, operations, supply chain, environment and social performance. Infrastructure Delivery: Hoskins Airport upgrade hit 57% completion, but runway limits mean only smaller aircraft can operate until later in July and through end-2026 works. Energy & Finance Policy: TISA Group CEO Michael Koisen urged PNG’s financial sector to bring K15 billion from the informal economy into formal banking to better capture the resource boom. Geopolitics With Economic Fallout: PNG ordered the immediate closure of Taiwan’s Economic Office in Port Moresby, prompting Taiwan to review LNG purchases and the US to express concern over “intimidation,” while Taiwan’s LNG imports are a major revenue stream for PNG. Maritime Safety & Cooperation: Australia’s HMAS Leeuwin begins a five-week hydrographic survey mission in partnership with PNGDF to improve navigation safety and maritime cooperation.