Air Niugini Joins Global Operators of Airbus A220
Air Niugini proudly became the 25th global operator of the fuel-efficient Airbus A220 family, taking delivery of its first Airbus A220-300 on September 11, 2025. The national carrier of Papua New Guinea received the aircraft on lease from Azorra, affectionately nicknamed the “People’s Balus”.
The jet features a special livery commemorating the country’s 50th Independence Anniversary, a complex design brought to life by a dedicated Airbus team of 120 painters. Using specialized airbrushing techniques, they applied 11 distinct colors to create the intricate design.
The A220-300 is configured to accommodate 138 passengers and marks a significant milestone in Air Niugini’s fleet modernization program. This program includes eight A220-100s on direct order from Airbus.
This delivery underscores the A220’s strong market position, offering the longest range (6,700 km) with 25% lower fuel consumption compared to previous-generation aircraft. The A220 family now services more than 1,800 routes to over 480 destinations worldwide.
For Air Niugini, these modern jets will replace aging Fokker aircraft, enhancing operational efficiency across the carrier’s domestic and regional network.
Get ready for your next journey – reserve your flight and place to stay today!
Source: Airbus