Air Niugini

Air Niugini has marked the first stage in a major re-fleeting exercise with the inaugural service of its first Airbus A220-300.

A dispute has arisen between Air Niugini and the country’s airports authority over how many domestic destinations the new Airbus A220 can safely serve.

Airlines in the region are focused on narrowbody deliveries this year, but more widebodies are coming in 2026.

While the post-pandemic period has been particularly tough for the small Pacific Island carriers, some continue to make progress on fleet renewal programs.

Asia-Pacific airlines are continuing to see strong demand for international travel, and there is still plenty of appetite for growth.

Air Niugini has boosted its order backlog for Airbus A220s, as the carrier prepares to begin a major fleet refresh program.

Air Niugini, the flag-carrier of Papua New Guinea, has given timing details of its planned Refleet Program.

The Port Moresby-based airline ordered six A220-100s direct from Airbus in November 2023. It is also acquiring a further two A220-100s, together with three A220-300s, from lessors.

In addition to the six ordered, Air Niugini is also set to acquire three A220-300s and a further two A220-100s from third-party lessors, Airbus says.

Air Niugini has announced it has chosen the Airbus A220 family to replace its current Fokker regional aircraft fleet.

The Papua New Guinea flag-carrier has finalized an order for two new Boeing 787-9s to bolster its long-haul capabilities and Asia-Pacific routings.

The return of the second weekly frequency, which was previously operated between April 2010 and August 2011, will be partly facilitated by funding support from the national government to the tune of K5 million ($1.7 million), which will go a long way to assist the airline in implementing the second Japan service, according to Air Niugini’s Chief Executive Officer, Simon Foo.

Flag carrier Philippine Airlines has announced its plans to introduce a regular service to Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea.

National carrier, Solomon Airlines has agreed to work together with both Air Niugini and Air Vanuatu to jointly develop and promote partnership in aviation services.