Air Niugini begins flights with its 1st Airbus A220-300
October 8, 2025
Air Niugini has debuted its Airbus A220-300 on an inaugural revenue flight as the flag carrier of Papua New Guinea enters the next stage in its fleet modernisation plan, which will culminate in the decommissioning of its Fokker 70 and 100 aircraft.
On Saturday, 4 October 2025, flight PX100 departed Port Moresby’s Jacksons International Airport shortly after 10am, bound for Lae, the same route flown by Air Niugini’s very first service in 1973 using a DC-3.
The aircraft later returned to the capital before continuing on to Kavieng, where it was met with a ceremonial water salute and a cultural welcome.
Air Niugini’s fleet modernisation plan
Registered P2-PGA, the new aircraft was operated by Captain Timothy Narara alongside Airbus test pilot Captain Christian Felix Patchlatko.
The arrival of the A220 marks the first step in Air Niugini’s plan to renew its fleet with nearly a dozen next-generation aircraft designed to improve performance, efficiency, and passenger comfort.
The A220’s short-runway performance make it particularly suited to Papua New Guinea’s varied terrain.
Its improved fuel efficiency will also support Air Niugini’s sustainability goals as it gradually retires its ageing Fokker fleet.
Delivered on 15 September 2025, coinciding with the nation’s golden jubilee, the aircraft is the first of 11 A220s on order.
Two more are expected to arrive before the end of the year.
Air Niugini says the modernisation programme will reduce emissions, improve reliability, and ensure the airline remains competitive both domestically and regionally.
‘A proud moment for Air Niugini and the entire country’
A brief ceremony at Port Moresby’s domestic terminal preceded the flight, led by Deputy Prime Minister and Lae MP John Rosso, and Minister for State-Owned Enterprises William Duma. Among the passengers was Treasury Minister Ian Ling-Stuckey.
In his address, Rosso described the moment as a national achievement: “This is a proud moment not only for Air Niugini but for the entire country. The Marape-Rosso Government remains committed to improving essential services for our people – including air services that connect our communities, support business, and promote national unity.
“This historic event comes at the perfect time as we celebrate 50 years of independence. Our people deserve reliable, timely, and safe air travel — and the introduction of this world-class aircraft is a step in the right direction.”
Duma added: “The A220 is not just an aircraft—it is a symbol of progress and pride, rightfully called The People’s Balus.
“We are doing everything we can to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient travel for all Papua New Guineans.”
