AIR NIUGINI AIRBUS COMMENCE INTERNATIONAL SERVICE TO CAIRNS

THE National flag carrier Air Niugini achieved a significant milestone in its fleet modernisation program when its new Airbus A220-300 aircraft, operated its first scheduled international service yesterday, Friday 27 March 2026 from Port Moresby to Cairns, Australia, as flight PX 90.

The aircraft operates the route between Port Moresby and Cairns in approximately one hour and thirty minutes, making it an efficient and convenient connection between PNG and Far North Queensland.

Air Niugini Chief Executive Officer, Mr Alan Milne said the introduction of the A220-300 on international services is an important step for the airline as it continues to modernise its fleet and enhance the passenger experience.

“The Airbus A220-300 is a modern, fuel-efficient aircraft that offers greater comfort, reliability and operational efficiency. Deploying this aircraft on our international routes strengthens Air Niugini’s capability to connect Papua New Guinea with key regional destinations while providing a world-class travel experience for our passengers.”

Mr Milne added that Cairns was a natural choice for the aircraft’s first international service given the strong historical, economic and tourism links between Papua New Guinea and Far North Queensland.

The flight also celebrated the long-standing aviation relationship between Papua New Guinea and Far North Queensland.

The Cairns service represents the first international deployment of the A220-300, marking a new chapter in Air Niugini’s fleet transformation and international network expansion.

Air Niugini was the first international airline to operate into Cairns Airport, commencing services in September 1975, establishing a historic link that has continued to grow over the past five decades.

“Cairns has always been an important gateway for Papua New Guinea, supporting strong business, tourism and family connections between our two regions. Launching the A220-300’s first international flight on this route highlights the importance of the PNG–Australia travel corridor and our commitment to strengthening that connectivity,” Mr Milne said.

Chief Executive Officer of Cairns Airport, Richard Barker, welcomed the deployment of Air Niugini’s new aircraft on the route.

“Cairns Airport is proud to welcome Air Niugini’s new Airbus A220-300 on its first international service. Air Niugini has a long and historic connection with Cairns as the first international airline to operate here, and we value the strong relationship between Papua New Guinea and Far North Queensland over the last 50 years.

As Air Niugini continues to take delivery of additional A220 aircraft, they will play a crucial role in the airline’s domestic and regional operations, providing improved connectivity for Papua New Guinea and reinforcing the airline’s position as the country’s national carrier.

Air Niugini currently operates nine flights per week between Port Moresby and Cairns, including three same-day return services and six overnight services, making the route one of the airline’s most important international connections.

Following the Cairns service launch, the Airbus A220-300 will operate its first service to Sydney on 29 March 2026, followed by Honiara in the Solomon Islands.

The A220s have been operating services to key ports including Lae, Kavieng, Manus, Gurney, Rabaul and Port Moresby, allowing the airline to introduce improved efficiency, comfort and reliability across its domestic operations.