Prime Minister Hon. James Marape today announced the successful handover of Air Niugini’s first Airbus A220 aircraft — a proud and historic milestone as Papua New Guinea prepares to celebrate 50 years of Independence.
The handover ceremony took place on 4 September 2025 at Mirabel, the home of the Airbus A220 in Montreal, Canada, and was witnessed by Vice Minister for State-Owned Enterprises Hon. Raphael Tonpi, Vice Minister for Petroleum Hon. Alexander Orme, Air Niugini Chairman Karl Yalo, and Kumul Consolidated Holdings Managing Director David Kavanamur.
“On 15 September 2025, on the eve of our nation’s Golden Jubilee, our first new Airbus A220 will touch down — a symbol of renewal and a gift of hope as we enter the next fifty years of our journey as one people, one nation, one country,” Prime Minister Marape said.
A Nation Taking Flight into Its Next 50 Years
The refleeting programme — valued at over PGK 2.6 billion — will transform Air Niugini with 11 new aircraft to replace the ageing Fokker fleet and three Boeing 737s.
Two Airbus A220 variants will join the fleet:
• A220-300: 138 seats (8 Business, 130 Economy)
• A220-100: 113 seats (8 Business, 105 Economy), able to land at all Air Niugini destinations.
The first A220-300 will arrive on 15 September 2025, followed by two more in November. These will operate services to Nadzab, Gurney, Kavieng, Manus, and Jackson International Airport. A further eight A220-100s will be delivered between 2027 and 2029.
Government Commitment and National Pride
The Prime Minister emphasised that this milestone was only possible through the Marape- Rosso Government’s decision to fund pre-delivery payments in the 2024 and 2025 National Budgets.
He expressed gratitude to the Department of Treasury, Kumul Consolidated Holdings, and Air Niugini’s partners and financiers, and commended State-Owned Enterprise Minister Hon. William Duma for his leadership.
“This refleeting proves what is possible when government, institutions, and people pull together,” Prime Minister Marape said. “This is a proud moment not just for Air Niugini, but for every Papua New Guinean.”
Investing in People and the Future
Air Niugini is also investing heavily in people and infrastructure — training pilots, engineers, technical staff, cabin crew, and upgrading vital aviation facilities to support the new fleet.
The modern aircraft will cut operating costs by 30 per cent, improve reliability, and expand connectivity across the country.
“This refleeting will power tourism, trade, agriculture, fisheries, and industries that will sustain
Papua New Guinea into the next fifty years,” the Prime Minister said.
A Golden Jubilee Symbol of Hope
Prime Minister Marape concluded:
“As our founding fathers gifted us independence in 1975, this new fleet symbolises the gifts we pass on to future generations. On the eve of our 50th anniversary, Papua New Guinea takes flight again — stronger, prouder, and united as one people, one nation, one country.”