Air Niugini (PX, Port Moresby) expects a slight delay in the delivery of its first A220-100, with the airline advising in a July 15 press statement that it is now expected in August 2025 rather than the second quarter of the year. In the interim, the airline said another DHC-8-Q400 is due to ferry in this August.
"Air Niugini remains committed to its fleet replacement program, which will see more modern and efficient aircraft arriving to replace the retiring Fokker fleet," the statement reads. The airline inked an order with Airbus late last year for six A220-100s. In addition, it will lease another two plus three A220-300s from third-party suppliers. The A220s will replace Air Niugini's fleet of six F70s and seven F100s. Earlier in 2023, Air Niugini also signed a deal with Boeing to buy two B787-8s to replace its pair of B767-300ERs.
The PNG government's 2024-28 Public Investment Program for Statutory Authorities values the fleet replacement at PGK3.3 billion kina (USD843.5 million). "The entire fleet replacement program is expected to be completed by 2028," the document reads. "Air Niugini envisages delivering this fleet replacement through a blend of purchasing new, nearly new and leasing new aircraft."
In addition to the B787-8s and A220s, the airline also intends to introduce ten DHC-8-Q400s to replace an aging and varied turboprop fleet that currently includes DHC-8-300, DHC-8-Q200, and DHC-8-Q300 types.
"Acquiring new aircraft will provide Air Niugini with a competitive edge in the aviation industry," the documents adds. "With newer more efficient aircrafts, Air Niugini can drastically reduce its operating costs. The new aircraft burn 27% less fuel than the existing, and maintenance costs will be substantially reduced as they are largely covered by the aircraft manufacturer."
Air Niugini did not respond to a request for comment.
