Mr Conley joined Air Niugini from Trans Australia Airlines(TAA) in 1973 as the pioneer General Manager, the position is now known as Chief Executive Officer.

Air Niugini Chief Executive Officer, Mr Simon Foo passed on the airline’s sincere condolences to the family, friends and associates of late Mr Conley.

He said “As the pioneer CEO, late Conley had contributed immensely towards the initial formation and operation of Air Niugini in the early years where there was hardly any road link and people were more reliant on aircraft than any other means of transport. “

Late Conley was among those who witnessed the inaugural scheduled Air Niugini services on 01st November 1973 when a Fokker F27 Friendship lifted off Jacksons Airport in Port Moresby on flight to Rabaul via Lae and Kieta.

His last visit to Port Moresby and Papua New Guinea was in November 2011, where he received a Logohu Award. The late pioneer Air Niugini CEO was recognized by the government for his efforts towards the early development of Papua New Guinea where was awarded the “Companion of the Order of the Star of Melanesia(CSM).”

From Australia, late Conley is survived by his wife of 73 years, Sheila and two children, Paul and Janis. Late Conley was 96.