Air Niugini (PX, Port Moresby) has chosen the Airbus A220 over the E195-E2 from Embraer to spearhead its regional jet replacement program, according to William Duma, Papua New Guinea's Minister for State-Owned Enterprises. The minister told media in Port Moresby this week that the country's prime minister and National Executive Council had approved the choice.
"The new aircraft is a game changer for the people of PNG. The A220 can deliver our domestic services, and our international services with greater capacity, comfort, and greater operating efficiency," he said. The regional jets will start delivering in the first quarter of 2025 and will replace Air Niugini's existing seven F100s and six F70s as part of a broader fleet renewal program that also includes acquiring two B787-8s due in March and April 2026. The widebodies will replace its pair of B767-300ERs.
Previously, Air Niugini Acting CEO Gary Seddon had told ch-aviation the Airbus options he was eyeing included the A220-100 and A220-300, while the Embraer E195-E2 was also in the running. But while Duma said the order would consist of both types, he did not give an exact breakdown by variant. Funding for the 13 overall aircraft (i.e. including the B787s) will be 80% financed by external export credit agencies and 20% by PNG government funds.
ch-aviation has contacted Air Niugini for further details.
