Air Niugini last week took delivery of the first of two Boeing 737-700s it has on order enabling it to better serve some of its markets and right-size capacity to some destinations from its base at Jackson’s Airport in Port Moresby. The aircraft will also provide new growth opportunities and its entry into service will see Air Niugini add another destination to its network.
The aircraft, configured in a two class layout with 16 Business Class and 104 Economy seats, has been acquired of lease from DAE Capital and is expected to be joined by a second example, perhaps a larger -800 variant in the future. The type fills the capacity gap between the 98-seat Fokker 100 and 214-seat 767s in the Air Niugini fleet enabling it to enhance the efficiency of its operations. It will utilise the jet on its services from Port Moresby to Brisbane and Sydney as well as to inaugurate twice weekly flights to Cebu in the Philippines, its tenth destination.
The 737 has been painted in a livery commemorating the 70th Anniversary of the Kokoda Campaign of the Second World War and has imagery on its fuselage of the Owen Stanley Ranges along which the battle was fought.
Speaking at a special ceremony to celebrate the arrival of the aircraft Garth McIlwain, Chairman, Air Niugini said: “For many of those coming to trek the Kokoda Trail, their first experience of Papua New Guinea is when they board an Air Niugini flight. In our own way, Air Niugini has decided to have the Kokoda map in the aircraft livery to acknowledge and recognise this important event in our history.”
The Air Niugini fleet now comprises 22 aircraft including a mix of four different aircraft types – the Dash 8 100/200/300 series and Q400, the Fokker 100, the Boeing 767 and now the 737. Speaking at the same welcome function for the Boeing 737, Papua New Guinea Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill, said it is “pleasing to see Air Niugini opening up new routes, increasing frequencies and acquiring additional aircraft to enhance its existing operations”.
Related Content
