Paris, May 30 - Airbus has confirmed a significant order from Air Niugini, the national carrier of Papua New Guinea, for two additional Airbus A220-100 aircraft, further strengthening the airline’s commitment to modernizing its fleet. This latest order, announced on May 28, 2025, builds on an initial agreement placed in 2023 for six A220-100s and complements existing lease agreements for three A220-300s with U.S.-based lessor Azorra. The announcement coincides with a key milestone for Air Niugini, as its first A220 has entered the final assembly phase at Airbus’s manufacturing facility in Mirabel, Canada. This strategic expansion underscores Air Niugini’s ambition to enhance operational efficiency, improve regional connectivity, and support economic growth in Papua New Guinea.
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The Airbus A220, designed for the 100-160 seat market, is well-suited for Air Niugini’s domestic and regional operations. With a range of up to 3,600 nautical miles (6,700 kilometers), the aircraft enables the airline to serve both short domestic routes and longer regional destinations across the South Pacific and Asia. Powered by Pratt & Whitney’s GTF engines, the A220 offers a 25% reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions per seat compared to older aircraft, aligning with global sustainability goals. The aircraft is already certified to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), further supporting Air Niugini’s efforts to reduce its environmental footprint. The A220’s advanced aerodynamics, lightweight composite materials, and modern cabin design also contribute to lower maintenance costs and enhanced passenger comfort, with wider economy seats and a spacious cabin layout.
Air Niugini’s decision to expand its A220 fleet is part of a broader $2 billion re-fleeting program, the largest investment in Papua New Guinea’s aviation sector since the airline’s founding in 1973. This initiative aims to replace the carrier’s aging Fokker aircraft, including models like the F70 and F100, as well as other older aircraft such as the Boeing 737-800s, 767- 300ERs, and various DHC-8 variants. The new A220s will enable Air Niugini to phase out these less efficient aircraft, improving reliability and reducing operational costs. The airline also has two Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners on order, set for delivery starting in 2026, which will support its long-haul ambitions.
The A220’s versatility is expected to transform Air Niugini’s network, particularly in a region where geography necessitates heavy reliance on air travel. By enhancing connectivity to remote communities and boosting capacity for tourism and cargo, the aircraft will play a pivotal role in Papua New Guinea’s economic development. As of April 2025, Airbus had secured over 900 orders for the A220 from more than 30 customers, with over 410 delivered to 24 operators worldwide. Air Niugini’s growing fleet, now totaling 11 A220s (eight owned and three leased), positions it as a key player in the Oceania region’s aviation market.