Air Niugini plans to acquire a fleet of Airbus A220 aircraft to replace its aging Fokker jets for short to medium-haul routes, anticipating enhanced operations and profits.
The announcement came after the National Executive Council permitted the carrier to proceed with the deal. Although the final deal is yet to be inked, the airline and Airbus team have expressed enthusiasm over the upcoming order.
Air Niugini plans to use the airplane to replace its aging fleet of six Fokker 70s and seven Fokker 100s. The airline claims that the A220 is more efficient and has a greater operating range than its Fokker counterparts.
The A220s will operate short to medium-haul domestic and international routes. For these reasons, the airline has opted to replace its fleet of regional jets as it anticipates its operations and profits will be enhanced by the next-generation airliner.
One of the most important features that struck the chord with management team of Air Niugini is that the A220s operate out of smaller airports in less hospitable terrain suiting the geographic terrain of Papua New Guinea.
Executives at Air Niugini have been thoroughly impressed by the aircraft's performance, especially given that it may operate out of smaller airports in less hospitable terrain, a common trait of flying in Papua New Guinea.
Gary Seddon, chief executive, Air Niguini said: “The order represents not only a fleet change but an operational one as it pushes towards a bright future. It's a momentous day in Air Niguini's history. This is the first time for ANG to purchase brand new regional jets. We are moving from analogue to digital. The Fokker jet aircraft have done their part for the last 25 years and it's time to replace them with a game changer aircraft."
The first of the 11 A220 airliners is expected to be delivered in 2025, and if Air Niugini follows through with its replacement plans, its fleet will shrink from 26 to 24 aircraft.