New fleet boosts Air Niugini’s modernisation programme

Air Niugini, the flagship airline of Papua New Guinea, has solidified its fleet modernisation strategy by placing a definitive order with Airbus. The deal encompasses six A220-100s, aimed at enhancing the airline's operations. Additionally, Air Niugini will bolster its fleet with three A220-300s and two more A220-100s leased from third-party lessors.

The A220 aircraft will be integrated into Air Niugini's domestic and regional flight network. This fresh addition to the fleet promises increased capacity and heightened reliability across domestic routes. Furthermore, it opens doors for Air Niugini to extend its reach and establish new connections within the Asia-Pacific region from its hub in the capital, Port Moresby.

Furthermore, Air Niugini has selected a flight-planning support system from Airbus subsidiary NAVBLUE for its fleet. Called N-Flight Planning (N-FP), the solution will help the airline optimise on fuel, time and cost to meet operational needs, while ensuring overall safety and compliance. 

The aircraft are powered by Pratt & Whitney's latest-generation GTF™ engines. Offering 25% lower fuel burn and CO2 emissions per seat compared to previous-generation aircraft, the A220 also has the largest cabin, seats and windows in its class, ensuring superior comfort. 

As with all Airbus aircraft, the A220 is already able to operate with up to 50% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Airbus aims for all its aircraft to be capable of operating with 100% SAF by 2030. 

As at the end of September, Airbus has received over 800 orders from around 30 customers for the A220, of which more than 280 have been delivered. The A220 is already in successful service with 17 airlines worldwide.