In mid-2022, Air Niugini placed a large aircraft order (at least in the context of the carrier’s overall fleet size). There’s now an exciting update, as the airline has taken delivery of its first of these jets. I know Air Niugini might seem random to many people, but this remains one of the small airlines that I find to be most intriguing.
In this post:
Air Niugini is acquiring 11 Airbus A220s
Air Niugini has a total of 11 Airbus A220s on order, including both the A220-100 and A220-300 variants. The airline is acquiring eight A220-100s directly from Airbus, and three Airbus A220-300s through third party leaser Azorra.
The airline has just taken delivery of the first of these jets, which is an A220-300 with the registration code P2-PGA. The plane will be flown to Papua New Guinea with a few stops along the way — it will fly from Montreal-Mirabel (YMX) to Vancouver (YVR) to Honolulu (HNL) to Nadi (NAN) to Port Moresby (POM).
The plane even has a special livery, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the independence of Papua New Guinea. I must say, it’s a mighty nice livery!
The A220-300 is configured with eight business class seats and 130 economy class seats. The plan is for A220s to replace Air Niugini’s Fokker fleet, which consists of six Fokker 70s and seven Fokker 100s.
Back when the A220 order was announced, here’s how Papua New Guinea’s Minister for State Enterprises, William Duma, described the strategy behind going with the A220:
“The Airbus A220 can operate both domestic and international routes with more capacity. It burns 27 percent less fuel than the current fleet for the same sectors and has greater comfort and operating efficiency. This remarkable aircraft stands as the epitome of modern airliners in its category, specifically tailored for 100-150 seat segment. It boasts an impressive range of up to 6,400 kilometres, together with spacious cabin, seats and windows, passengers can enjoy high level of comfort during the flight.”
The airline claims that these new A220s are “the peoples’ balus,” and that the airline is “moving from analogue to digital.” The A220 is indeed a great plane to fly, and is one of my favorite commercial aircraft. The A220 has incredible economics and range, and a great passenger experience, given the 2-3 configuration in economy, which means there’s only one middle seat per row.
This order complements Air Niugini’s order for two Boeing 787-8s, which are expected to be delivered starting in 2026. Those will replace the carrier’s two Boeing 767s.
Talk about a major fleet transformation!
Currently Air Niugini’s jet fleet consists of Boeing 767s that are an average of 30 years old, plus Fokkers that are an average of 32 years old. The airline also has three Boeing 737-800, that are an average of 15 years old.
It’s pretty incredible to think that in the coming years, the carrier’s average fleet age could go from close to 30 years to just a couple of years. This is a wild transformation.
Of course it’s exciting to see airlines modernize, though I’m sure I’m not the only avgeek who kind of loves the idea of flying a Boeing 767 connecting to a Fokker 70 over the idea of flying a Boeing 787 connecting to an Airbus A220.
Bottom line
Air Niugini is undergoing an impressive fleet modernization project. The airline is swapping Fokker 70s & 100s for Airbus A220s, and is swapping Boeing 767s for Boeing 787s. The airline has just taken delivery of its first A220, representing a new era for the airline. What a cool order, and I look forward to flying with the airline once the 787s are delivered.
What do you make of Air Niugini’s Airbus A220 order?
I wonder who is being worked over with the finance here. The existing fleet is quite old but the new fleet still needs to be paid for.
PNG may well have been “independent” for 50 years, but still subsists on grants, loans and subsidies - largely from Aussie taxpayers
Follow the money trail. Why would they move their embassy to Jerusalem in the midst of Israel committing a genocide?
$$$$$
As you notice, a wonderusly exotc livery - and a "new" airlines for you to sample someday;
happy and safe travels
The government of PNG is one of the most corrupt in the Pacific, and will do anything for a dollar. PNG moved their embassy to Jerusalem in the midst of a genocide. Port Moresby is also one of the most dangerous and unlivable cities. No thanks.
Proof that idiots will try to link Gaza with literally ANYTHING just to.....talk about Gaza. A small Pacific airline is linked to Gaza?!?! Now you idiots have conclusively proven that...you're idiots.
680k dead in Gaza on some reputable estimates. A genocide according to multiple Israeli and global organisations.
So yes I will call out corrupt, Zionist cucks such as Papua New Guinea, and companies owned by the PNG government. Who are supporting Israel and Netanyahu in the midst of a genocide
The problem with all of these small airlines is the price of tickets and most of them do not have any airline partners so connectivity is also an issue. If there is an aircraft problem or other issue it can be a huge problem because of a limited number of aircrafts and options. There are many airlines you have not reviewed or experienced or may not have heard of, but for obvious reasons you stick to a handful of major airlines.
Interesting though having just spent a couple weeks in PNG in think
The airline should focus more on dependability then anything else
One final thought...I'm surprised there aren’t more comments. Some of us ride Fokkers often and take them for granted. Some haven’t felt the thrill of a proper Fokker in years. Many have never known the tight embrace, the graceful lift, the satisfying experience that a superior Fokker can guide you.
Don’t take the Fokkers in your life for granted. If you’re headed off into the blue yonder, let a Fokker take you. Happy ending guaranteed.
I've hopped on these Fokker's hundreds of times, and each was a great ride. Sad to see them go the way of the bush.
Sad as an avgeek. I did 5 flights with Air Niugini back in January. They only have one Fokker 70 operational nowadays while the Fokker 100s are still going strong on domestic flights. Their Boeing 767 has one of the least desirable business class seats. No problems with the 2-1-2 configuration, except that one row has a single central seat with one lavatory on each side. All in all, very interesting experience.
Which Fokker is your favorite? Is there one that is superior to all, something of a Mother Fokker?
@Thiago Trevisan
Considering PX's longest route POM - SIN is merely 6 hours at most (I've flown it 7 times), I find their angled lay flat seat to be fine. In fact, their most served route is POM - BNE (which is just 3 hours). So context is important here! It's not like PX is flying to Los Angeles or London. The seats are fine for the length of flights they currently serve. Also, their...
@Thiago Trevisan
Considering PX's longest route POM - SIN is merely 6 hours at most (I've flown it 7 times), I find their angled lay flat seat to be fine. In fact, their most served route is POM - BNE (which is just 3 hours). So context is important here! It's not like PX is flying to Los Angeles or London. The seats are fine for the length of flights they currently serve. Also, their 2-1-2 configuration is an 'inheritance' from another airline (SAS, I believe) which previously owned one of PX's 767, the other PX 767 is formerly owned by a Gulf Arab royal family.
I was onboard PX8 from POM to HKG some time ago. The fantastic crew told me they are really exited to receive the A220 training in Zurich (some weeks later).
It was their first visit to Europe.
While the hard product is crucial, it really is the soft product once you board that really distinguishes a superior Fokker from a run of the mill Fokker.
Boooooo we’re living in a time when all the cool planes are falling by the wayside!
Truly. When I can no longer begin a travel story with, "So the Fokker that got us there was top notch," then we've really lost the plot.