Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Papua New Guinea’s national carrier, Air Niugini, is set to significantly expand and modernize its fleet with the addition of new aircraft from Airbus. The airline has officially confirmed the acquisition of two more A220-100 single-aisle jets, reinforcing its earlier commitment made in 2023 when it ordered six of these advanced aircraft. This strategic move is part of Air Niugini’s broader plan to enhance its operational capabilities, improve fuel efficiency, and offer passengers a more comfortable flying experience.
The A220-100 is well-known for its versatility, efficient performance, and ability to serve short- to medium-haul routes effectively. These aircraft are designed with the latest technology, allowing airlines to operate with lower fuel consumption and reduced emissions, aligning with global aviation sustainability goals. For Air Niugini, the introduction of these planes will help boost capacity and connectivity within the Oceania region, which is vital for Papua New Guinea’s tourism and business sectors.
In addition to the purchase of the two new A220-100 jets, Air Niugini has also arranged leasing agreements for three larger A220-300 aircraft through Azorra, a prominent U.S.-based aircraft leasing company. The A220-300 model offers greater passenger capacity while maintaining the same efficiency and modern features as its smaller sibling. By combining owned and leased aircraft, Air Niugini is optimizing its fleet flexibility to respond dynamically to passenger demand and route expansion plans.
This announcement coincides with a major milestone for the airline as its first A220 jet progresses toward completion at Airbus’s Mirabel assembly plant in Canada. The Mirabel facility is renowned for its expertise in producing the A220, which incorporates advanced materials and cutting-edge aerodynamics. The nearing delivery of this initial aircraft marks the beginning of a new era for Air Niugini, symbolizing its commitment to modernization and growth.
Overall, Air Niugini’s investment in the Airbus A220 family signals a strong future vision aimed at enhancing service quality, operational efficiency, and environmental responsibility. As Papua New Guinea’s flagship airline prepares to welcome these new jets, it strengthens its position as a key player in the Pacific aviation market and reaffirms its dedication to providing safe, reliable, and comfortable air travel for its customers.
Gary Seddon, Chief Executive Officer of Air Niugini said: “The A220 is set to form the backbone of our domestic and regional fleet and will support economic development in Papua New Guinea. As we continue to forecast strong growth we have made the decision to increase our orders for this fuel efficient type, bringing a whole new level of efficiency and comfort for our operations.”
Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, EVP Sales of Airbus’ Commercial Aircraft business said: “This is Air Niugini’s second order for the A220. We are committed to working closely with the airline as we support its fleet renewal programme. The A220 is quite simply the most efficient aircraft in its size category, with a wider and spacious cabin and the range to fly non-stop to any destination on the carrier’s network.”
The A220 is recognized as the most cutting-edge aircraft within its category, boasting the longest operational range and superior fuel economy. It is capable of seating between 100 and 160 passengers, with a maximum flight distance of up to 3,600 nautical miles (around 6,700 kilometers). The smaller variant, the A220-100, caters to cabin layouts accommodating 100 to 135 travelers, whereas the larger A220-300 serves routes demanding capacity for 120 to 160 passengers.
Powered by Pratt & Whitney’s latest-generation GTF™ engines, the A220 delivers an impressive 25% reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions per seat relative to older models. Reflecting Airbus’s sustainability goals, this aircraft can currently operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), with plans to enable 100% SAF usage fleetwide by 2030.
As of the end of April 2025, Airbus had amassed more than 900 firm orders for the A220 from over 30 different customers, having delivered in excess of 410 units. The aircraft is actively deployed by 24 airlines globally, serving more than 1,600 flight routes to upwards of 470 destinations, thereby maintaining its status as a leader in the compact single-aisle aircraft market.
