AIR NIUGINI’S A220 AIRCRAFT GAME CHANGER FOR DOMESTIC TRAVEL ACROSS PNG

AIR Niugini has confirmed the inclusion of the new Airbus A220-300 aircraft has proven to be a game changer for domestic travel in the country and also a favourite for customers.

The 3 next generation aircraft are delivering enhanced reliability, comfort, greater capacity and a significantly improved flying experience for PNG travelers., since the introduction of Air Niugini’s first brand new Airbus A220-300 aircraft in September last year, followed by two additional aircraft in December.

In a statement from Air Niugini, the A220’s are playing a vital role in reuniting families and loved ones, transporting them safely and comfortably home or to their places of work or study, and in doing so, the A220 is truly living up to its name “The People’s Balus”— the people’s aircraft — by safely and reliably connecting communities across the nation.

The next generation A220s are currently operating on key domestic routes, serving Port Moresby, Lae, Rabaul, Kavieng, Manus Island and Alotau. These services connect major population centres and regional hubs, supporting economic activity, education, healthcare access and vital social connections across the country.

Beyond passenger comfort, the A220-300 delivers important operational advantages. Its advanced technology and fuel efficiency support more reliable schedules and improved performance, particularly on longer domestic sectors. The aircraft’s quiet operation and modern systems reflect Air Niugini’s investment in a safer, greener, more sustainable and future-ready fleet.

Configured with 138 seats, the A220-300 offers increased seating capacity compared to the Fokker aircraft it complements and increasingly replaces. Customers also benefit from a wider cabin, larger windows, increased overhead luggage space, and more comfortable seating, including Business Class, resulting in a noticeably superior travel experience across Air Niugini’s domestic network.

As airport runway upgrade works progress across the country, Air Niugini plans to introduce the A220 to additional important domestic destinations such as Mount Hagen, Wewak, and Kimbe, further expanding access and improving connectivity for more communities.

Looking ahead, the A220-300 will also be deployed on selected regional services, including routes to Australia, once all regulatory requirements are complete.

The aircraft will initially service Cairns, followed by its debut on the important Port Moresby to Sydney route on 29th March, offering customers the same high standard of comfort and reliability beyond Papua New Guinea’s borders.

Services to Sydney currently operate twice a week, however with the introduction of the A220s from 29th March this will increase to three times a week.

Flights from Port Moresby will depart on Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays, returning to Port Moresby the next morning on Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays, providing greater flexibility and choice of days for business and leisure travelers alike.

The introduction of the A220 aircraft continues to represent a significant milestone for Air Niugini and for Papua New Guinea, ushering in a new era of comfort, capacity and reliability for PNG travelers — at home and across the region.