Airbus Updates No.4539

Air Niugini unveils 1st Airbus A220

Air Niugini has released pictures of its very first Airbus A220. The aircraft, an A220-300, is currently registered as C-FOWU (55388) and will become P2-PGA. It wears a special livery to celebrate Papua New Guinea's 50th independence birthday. Delivery is scheduled for 15 September 2025.

The airline holds orders directly with Airbus for eight A220-100s and has lease-agreements with lessor Azorra for three A220-300s.

Air Niugini will use the eleven new Airbuses to gradually replace its current fleet of four Fokker 70s and five Fokker 100s. The type will also be used to replace the three Boeing B737-800s in the fleet.

Next to the F70/100s and B737s, the airline's fleet is further made-up of two Boeing B767-300ERs, one DHC-8-300, and four DHC-8-400s.

Photo by Air Niugini.

Airbus Updates No.4324

 

Air Niugini sees first A220 delivery slip into 3Q25

Air Niugini (PX, Port Moresby) expects a slight delay in the delivery of its first A220-100, with the airline advising in a July 15 press statement that it is now expected in August 2025 rather than the second quarter of the year. In the interim, the airline said another DHC-8-Q400 is due to ferry in this August.

"Air Niugini remains committed to its fleet replacement program, which will see more modern and efficient aircraft arriving to replace the retiring Fokker fleet," the statement reads. The airline inked an order with Airbus late last year for six A220-100s. In addition, it will lease another two plus three A220-300s from third-party suppliers. The A220s will replace Air Niugini's fleet of six F70s and seven F100s. Earlier in 2023, Air Niugini also signed a deal with Boeing to buy two B787-8s to replace its pair of B767-300ERs.

The PNG government's 2024-28 Public Investment Program for Statutory Authorities values the fleet replacement at PGK3.3 billion kina (USD843.5 million). "The entire fleet replacement program is expected to be completed by 2028," the document reads. "Air Niugini envisages delivering this fleet replacement through a blend of purchasing new, nearly new and leasing new aircraft."

In addition to the B787-8s and A220s, the airline also intends to introduce ten DHC-8-Q400s to replace an aging and varied turboprop fleet that currently includes DHC-8-300, DHC-8-Q200, and DHC-8-Q300 types.

"Acquiring new aircraft will provide Air Niugini with a competitive edge in the aviation industry," the documents adds. "With newer more efficient aircrafts, Air Niugini can drastically reduce its operating costs. The new aircraft burn 27% less fuel than the existing, and maintenance costs will be substantially reduced as they are largely covered by the aircraft manufacturer."

Airbus Updates No.4138

 Air Niugini selects Airbus A220

During a special ceremony at Port Moresby on 1 November 2023, Air Niugini announced it has selected the Airbus A220 as its choice for renewing its current fleet of narrowbody aircraft. The airline is ordering six A220-100s directly with Airbus, while it will also lease two A220-100s and three A220-300s from lessors. No delivery timeline for the eleven jets has been communicated.

Air Niugini's current narrowbody-fleet is made-up of one Boeing B737-800, six Fokker 70s (two parked), and seven Fokker 100s (four parked). Next to these, the airline also operates one DHC-8-300, three DHC-8-400s (two parked), and two B767-300ERs (one parked).

Earlier this year, Air Niugini announced an order for two B787-8s to replace its B767 with.