ALL FIFTEEN MAJOR DOMESTIC AIRPORTS CAN ACCOMMODATE THE AIRBUS A220

MEDIA RELEASE

.

Air Niugini CEO, Gary Seddon, has announced that comprehensive technical studies undertaken by the aircraft manufacturer, Airbus, have confirmed that all 15 airports currently served by the Fokker fleet can accommodate the incoming A220 aircraft.

The Airbus A220 Pavement Compatibility Study of Papua New Guinea Airports has declared that the Airbus A220 is capable of operating across all current Air Niugini domestic jet routes.

“Airbus and Air Niugini have thoroughly evaluated the performance of both the A220-100 and A220-300 models and confirmed these aircraft can serve every airport where our Fokker 70s and 100s operate,” Mr Seddon said.

“This is very good information for our travelling public who will have more comfortable flights that are on-time and more efficient.

“Our new A220s can land at existing PNG domestic airports according to safe International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) compliance conditions.

The relevant data has been conveyed to the National Airports Corporation (NAC), and our other stakeholders, who are all working together to ensure that the transition to our new Air Niugini fleet is a success.

The replacement of our Fokker fleet with Airbus A220s will be a massive change for Air Niugini. The first of these aircraft arrives in September this year.

As the Fokker aircraft have aged, maintenance costs have escalated, and replacement parts often require time to order, causing flight delays and disruptions.

“Due to infrastructure limitations at certain domestic airports in PNG, it will be necessary to apply specific flight restrictions to some A220 operations. In instances where payload or fuel limits are required, flight operations will be adjusted accordingly to maintain full compliance with safety and performance standards. These restrictions are expected to affect only a small number of routes operating into shorter or lower-strength runways. 

Ultimately, the A220’s superior efficiency and performance means that even at a reduced weight it can carry out flights that meet or exceed what the Fokkers could achieve from those airports. 

"This is an exciting time for aviation in Papua New Guinea, which has been a long time in coming following talk of replacing the Fokkers for nearly two decades, and now we are making it happen."

“Passenger and freight costs will reduce, and importantly, we will get flight schedules running on time because we have new and reliable aircraft.”

The domestic airports into which the A220 can operate are as follows:

• POM / AYPY-Port Moresby

• LAE / AYNZ-Lae Nadzab Tomodachi

• KVG / AYKV-Kavieng

• MAS / AYMO-Manus (Momote)

• GUR / AYGN-Alotau (Gurney) 

• HGU / AYMH-Mt Hagen (Kagamuga)

• RAB / AYTK-Rabaul (Tokua) 

• VAI / AYVN-Vanimo

• BUA / AYBK-Buka

• GKA / AYGA-Goroka 

• HKN / AYHK -Kimbe (Hoskins)

• WWK / AYWK-Wewak 

• MAG / AYMD-Madang

• KIE / AYIQ -Kieta

All international destinations currently serviced by Air Niugini Fokker and Boeing aircraft will accommodate the Airbus A220.

Pic caption: The airports currently served by Air Niugini’s Fokker fleet can accommodate the A220 

End…//

Corporate Communications Department 

Monday 04th August, 2025

Read More

AIR NIUGINI PILOTS COMPLETE AIRBUS A220 TRAINING IN CANADA

MEDIA RELEASE

More Air Niugini pilots are progressing through their type rating training in Mirabel, Canada. This includes Captain Andrew Casupang and Captain Dekes Mileng, who successfully passed their A220 training at the Airbus facility last week. 

More pilots are expected to complete their certification during August. Another group will head over in September. This is all part of the entry into service and readiness program for the arrival of the new aircraft.

The training, conducted at Airbus's state-of-the-art facility in Canada, encompasses comprehensive simulator sessions and theoretical instruction, ensuring that the pilots are well-prepared to operate the advanced A220 aircraft. 

Air Niugini CEO Gary Seddon stated "The successful completion of this training program is a testament to our commitment to excellence and safety and the caliber of our pilots. Our pilots, crew, engineers and ground staff are receiving the same high standard of training as offered to larger airlines."

The introduction of the Airbus A220 is a cornerstone of Air Niugini's fleet renewal program. The airline has placed firm orders for multiple A220-100 and A220-300 aircraft, with the first delivery expected in September this year. These modern, fuel-efficient jets are set to replace the aging Fokker 100/70 fleet on domestic routes and eventually the Boeing 737s on international services. The A220's advanced technology and passenger comfort features align with Air Niugini's vision of providing world-class service to its customers.

As Air Niugini prepares to celebrate Papua New Guinea's 50th Independence Anniversary, the arrival of the new A220 aircraft symbolizes a new era of aviation for the nation. The airline remains committed to enhancing connectivity, promoting economic growth, and delivering unparalleled service to its passengers.

End…//

Corporate Communications Department 

Thursday 31st July, 2025

Read More

AIR NIUGINI CEO CONTINUES TO ENGAGE STAFF IN TOWN HALL TO PREPARE FOR AIRBUS A220 ARRIVAL

MEDIA RELEASE

Air Niugini Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Gary Seddon, continues to host staff town hall meetings, reinforcing the airline's commitment to transformation and readiness ahead of the arrival of its first Airbus A220 aircraft in September.

The fourth session, held last week in Port Moresby and streamed online, enabled participation from staff across domestic and international ports. 

These town halls are integral to Air Niugini's internal engagement strategy, focusing on preparing staff for the operational, technological, and cultural shifts accompanying the re-fleet program.

"With just over 60 days until the first A220 lands at Jackson’s, significant efforts are underway to ensure both the airline and our staff are prepared for the aircraft's Entry Into Service (EIS)," said Mr. Seddon. 

"We are demonstrating collective collaboration, showcasing what Air Niugini can achieve through teamwork. It is not the first time Air Niugini has brought a new aircraft type into the fleet, so we have the capacity and experience to be successful."

Mr. Seddon acknowledged the dedication of employees across departments, highlighting the extensive behind-the-scenes work ensuring the airline is equipped to embrace a new era of aviation in Papua New Guinea.

Staff were briefed on the airline’s progress in meeting key milestones for the A220’s EIS, with several deliverables already ahead of schedule. 

Training programs for pilots, engineers, cabin crew, and ground staff are underway, ensuring all operational teams are certified and prepared for the new aircraft.

"Our first two pilots, Captain Beverly Pakii and Captain Timothy Narara, have attained command on the A220. Currently, four pilots are undergoing training in Mirabel, Canada, with another six to follow. 

"Twelve engineers have been engaged in extensive training with Lufthansa Technik in Port Moresby, and Singapore, and are now gaining on-the-job experience with QantasLink in Canberra. 

"Airbus is also sending engineering capacity to Port Moresby as part of the program. Our cabin crew managers have completed the 'train-the-trainers' program in Zurich, Switzerland, with a second group about to undergo training in Melbourne. 

"Ground staff are also participating in intensive training in their respective areas. As I have always emphasized, it's no longer business as usual," Mr. Seddon stated.

"We have a significant opportunity to enhance air travel for our country. We must proactively examine all aspects of our business to increase aircraft utilization, improve services, and deliver affordable, reliable travel. 

"There are many that will try to hold us back or talk us down. But change is inevitable. PNG deserves a modern, reliable, efficient air transport service. 

"And Air Niugini will lead that charge, with the support of our shareholder, KCH, our Minister, and this Government. The A220 will replace the Fokker and Boeing narrow body fleet and will operate across the country and the region."

The town hall also provided an open forum for staff to raise questions directly with the CEO and management. 

Apart from the A220, questions were also raised on the possibility of introducing a dedicated domestic freighter to support cargo operations and addressing the ongoing challenges of consistent regional fuel availability. 

Mr. Seddon addressed each query, emphasising the importance of transparent communication during this period of change.

In addition to fleet updates, Chief Financial Officer Ms. Judy Kuk spoke on the recent implementation of Oracle Fusion Cloud ERP. 

She highlighted the system's role in modernising Air Niugini's finance, HR, payroll, and supply chain operations, and encouraged staff to engage with the platform.

"All manual processes are being replaced. As an airline, we must elevate our standards, and Oracle is our chosen way forward. It ensures every part of the business is integrated into one enterprise, resulting in improved governance and accountability. By now, most of you are using the Oracle portal for your HR queries. It has much more to offer, such as booking training, appraisals, and requests for leave, and salary sacrifice," Ms. Kuk said.

The CFO also took the opportunity to introduce the collaboration with the Port Moresby General Hospital – where Air Niugini employees and their dependents can have access to a suite of medical interventions, on top of the current medical support provided by the company. “Employee health and wellbeing is a critical consideration, and we are always looking at ways to improve.”

The CEO took time to explain the steps Air Niugini is taking to attract and retain employees. 

Training is expensive, but there is a shortage of experienced, qualified engineers, pilots, and cabin crew across the industry. And our Air Niugini employees are highly sought after. 

As Air Niugini prepares to welcome the first of its Airbus A220 aircraft in September, the airline reaffirms its commitment to operational excellence, enhanced passenger experience, and regional connectivity. 

The A220 is globally recognized for its fuel efficiency, quieter performance, and superior comfort, marking a new era for air travel in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific region.

End…//

Corporate Communications Department 

Wednesday 16th  July, 2025

Read More