Air Niugini Completes A220 Cabin Crew Training in Zurich, Prepares for Further Training in Melbourne

Port Moresby, July 1, 2025 – Air Niugini is proud to announce the successful completion of its Airbus A220 Cabin Crew “Train-the-Trainer” program at the Airbus Training Centre in Zurich, Switzerland—marking a key milestone in the lead-up to the arrival of its new A220 fleet later this year.

The specialized program equips Air Niugini’s lead cabin crew instructors with the necessary certification and expertise to train the broader cabin crew team in preparation for the A220’s entry into service. The intensive training focused on aircraft-specific safety procedures, service protocols, emergency operations, and technical systems unique to the A220.

Ten senior members of Air Niugini’s cabin crew participated in the program, including Ms. Kei Veni, Ms. Tabitha Kaetovuhu, and Mr. Jeremy Nungwehim. All participants successfully completed the training and expressed their excitement about contributing to a new chapter in the airline’s history.

“This program not only strengthens our internal training capacity but also ensures our crew is fully prepared to deliver a world-class experience onboard the A220,” said Gary Seddon, CEO of Air Niugini. “The professionalism and commitment shown by our cabin crew reflect the high standards we are setting for the future of our airline.”

Following the Zurich training, additional cabin crew will now travel to Melbourne, Australia, for further A220 training in the coming weeks as part of Air Niugini’s comprehensive Entry Into Service (EIS) program.

Meanwhile, the first A220 aircraft has entered the paint shop phase, with delivery preparations well underway. Air Niugini is coordinating the aircraft’s journey to Papua New Guinea alongside stringent safety and regulatory checks.

The airline is working in close partnership with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority of PNG (CASAPNG) to ensure full compliance with national and international aviation standards.

Flight crew training is also progressing at the Airbus facility in Mirabel, Canada, where pilots are undergoing A220 type-rating and simulator programs.

“We are grateful for the continued cooperation of CASAPNG as we prepare to welcome the A220 to PNG’s skies,” added Seddon. “This aircraft represents a step-change in comfort, efficiency, and reliability for our passengers.”

Air Niugini’s new A220 fleet is expected to begin commercial operations in September 2025, ushering in a new era of aviation for Papua New Guinea and the broader Pacific region.