AIR NIUGINI SIGNS ORDER WITH AIRBUS FOR “THE PEOPLE’S BALUS”

AIR Niugini has signed a firm order with Airbus today for the purchase of six A220 series 100 jets, “the People’s Balus”.

In addition, the airline will lease a further two A220-100s and three larger A220-300s from third party lessors, for a total fleet of eleven aircraft.

The order was officially announced at a special event in Port Moresby today by Gary Seddon, Acting Chief Executive Air Niugini and Mr Anand Stanley, President of Airbus Asia-Pacific, in the presence of the Prime Minister Hon. James Marape and the Minister for State Enterprises Hon. William Duma.

The eleven new A220 jets will replace Air Niugini’s existing fleet of Fokker 100/70s and Boeing 737s on domestic and regional international routes from 2025.

The Acting CEO said “This is a milestone in the history of our national airline. The A220 brings with it the latest technology, fuel efficiency, and the most comfortable passenger cabin in its class, and will transform the way the nation flies. The A220s will primarily service our domestic routes, but also have the flexibility to operate new regional international routes of up to 7 hours duration, which will support the growth of trade and tourism for Papua New Guinea”.

Minister Duma said “This is a momentous occasion for Air Niugini. Coinciding with the airlines 50th Anniversary, Air Niugini secures new regional jets that will revolutionise travel for the citizens of Papua New Guinea. I am looking forward to welcoming ‘the People’s Balus’ to our skies”.

Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International, said “The efficiency and range capability of the A220 make it the perfect solution for Air Niugini’s network as it charts a new trajectory. We thank Air Niugini for its confidence in Airbus and are committed to offering our full support to the airline as it transitions to its new fleet.”

As at the end of September, Airbus has received over 800 orders from around 30 customers for the A220, of which more than 280 have been delivered.

The A220 is already in successful service with 17 airlines worldwide.