ACIA Aero Leasing (ACIA) Wehas delivered two ATR 72-600 passenger aircraft, configured with seventy seats, on lease to PNG Air, the leading domestic carrier in Papua New Guinea. The addition of these aircraft marks a decisive step forward in the airline’s long-term fleet renewal strategy.
PNG Air described the investment as a vital element of its three-year strategic plan. The ATR 72-600 brings proven efficiency, dependable performance, and greater capacity, all of which support the airline’s aim to streamline operations and move towards a modern, single-type fleet. By partnering with ACIA, PNG Air is accelerating this transition, improving the travel experience for passengers while creating lasting value for shareholders and stakeholders across the country. The aircraft type is also expected to bolster operational resilience as the airline works to enhance performance and prepare for sustainable future growth.
For almost forty years, PNG Air has played a central role in connecting communities throughout Papua New Guinea, offering safe, reliable, and affordable services. The airline has been listed on the Port Moresby Stock Exchange since 2008 and remains majority-owned by key national institutions, including the MRDC Group and NasFund, alongside nearly three thousand local shareholders. Its network spans more than twenty-two destinations, providing both passenger and cargo services that are essential to the movement of people and goods across the nation.
In 2024, PNG Air carried more than 150,000 passengers, reaffirming its importance as the country’s primary regional connector. With the arrival of the new ATR 72-600 aircraft, the airline is nearing the completion of its transition to an all-ATR fleet. This development strengthens its ability to reach remote communities, support economic activity, and deliver a dependable service across Papua New Guinea’s challenging and diverse terrain.
