Air Niugini, the national airline of Papua New Guinea, has placed an order with Airbus for six cutting-edge A220-100s as part of its fleet modernization efforts. The carrier will also acquire three A220-300s and two A220-100s from third-party lessors. This significant order was announced at a special event in Port Moresby, witnessed by the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea and the Minister for State Enterprises.
The Airbus A220 is known for its exceptional range, fuel efficiency, and spacious cabin. It will be deployed by Air Niugini on its domestic and regional routes. This modern fleet will enhance capacity and reliability, enabling the airline to expand its services from the capital city, Port Moresby, to new destinations across the Asia-Pacific region.
Gary Seddon, the Acting CEO of Air Niugini, expressed his enthusiasm for the milestone, emphasizing its passenger comfort and reduced emissions compared to the current fleet.
Comments from Leaders on Air Niugini’s A220 Aircraft
The Minister for State Enterprises, William Duma, hailed the momentous occasion which coincides with Air Niugini’s 50th anniversary. Duma eagerly anticipated the positive impact of the new regional jets on travel within Papua New Guinea. Airbus’ Chief Commercial Officer, Christian Scherer, praised Air Niugini’s choice of the A220 supporting the airline’s growth potential. Airbus pledged its full support to the airline during the transition to the new fleet.
Gary Seddon, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Air Niugini, said: “This is a milestone in the history of our national airline that will support the growth of trade and tourism in Papua New Guinea. The new aircraft will offer the highest levels of comfort for our passengers while also ensuring a significant reduction in fuel consumption and emissions when compared to the aircraft they will replace.”
Minister Duma said: “This is a momentous occasion for Air Niugini. Coinciding with the airline’s 50th Anniversary, Air Niugini secures six new regional jets that will revolutionize travel for the citizens of Papua New Guinea. I am looking forward to welcoming the ‘People’s Balus’ (the people’s plane) to our skies”.
Christian Scherer, Airbus’ Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International said: “Air Niugini has seen how much more the A220 brings to their airline than the competing product in this space, so much more efficiency, range, comfort, and growth potential. We thank Air Niugini for its confidence in Airbus and are committed to offering our full support to the airline as it transitions to its new fleet.”
Air Niugini Selects NAVBLUE
Additionally, Air Niugini selected NAVBLUE, an Airbus subsidiary, to provide a flight planning support system called N-Flight Planning (N-FP). This solution will optimize fuel, time, and operational requirements costs while ensuring safety and compliance.
Airbus A220 Tech Specs and Capabilities
The A220 is a modern airliner in the 100-150 seat category. It can fly up to 3,450 nautical miles (6,390 km). The aircraft’s Pratt & Whitney GTF™ engines reduce fuel burn and CO2 emissions by 25% per seat, compared to previous generations. Passengers will enjoy the A220’s spacious cabin, comfortable seats, and large windows. Airbus has cleared the A220 to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Furthermore, the OEM plans to achieve 100% SAF operation across its entire fleet by 2030.
As of the end of September, Airbus has received over 800 orders from around 30 customers for the A220. The OEM has delivered more than 280 of these orders. The A220 is already in successful service with 17 airlines worldwide.
