Next-Gen Air Niugini Fleet Takes Shape Ahead of Golden Jubilee

Next-Gen Air Niugini Fleet Takes Shape Ahead of Golden Jubilee [Photo by Air Niugini]

​Air Niugini’s first A220 aircraft, nicknamed the “People’s Balus,” has entered final assembly at the Airbus Canada factory in Mirabel, Montreal. The airline announced the aircraft is scheduled for delivery in September, timed to coincide with Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary.

According to Air Niugini, the airline will become the 25th global operator of the state-of-the-art A220, joining 24 other airlines that have placed orders for more than 900 of the new-generation jets. Over 400 A220s are already in operation worldwide.

Air Niugini’s A220 fleet will include eleven aircraft in total—three A220-300s, each with 138 seats, and eight A220-100s configured with 114 seats. The new jets will initially replace the aging Fokker 100/70 fleet, and eventually take over from the Boeing 737s.

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The aircraft are also capable of operating international flights and may serve new routes currently under evaluation. All A220s will be equipped with Business and Economy class seating and offer complimentary WiFi for passengers to stay connected during their journeys.

Air Niugini confirmed that its engineers, pilots, and cabin crew have begun extensive training to prepare for the aircraft’s entry into service. The airline aims to launch the new fleet during the first week of September, marking a milestone in its modernisation program.

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