Air Niugini takes delivery of its first Airbus A220

Image copyright Airbus

The airline becomes the 25th global operator of the A220, which is now flying with carriers on five continents.

The aircraft, dubbed "People’s Balus", departed the Airbus Final Assembly Line in Mirabel for a delivery flight to Port Moresby, with scheduled stops in Vancouver, Honolulu and Fiji. The delivery represents a significant milestone in Air Niugini’s fleet modernisation programme, with  eight A220-100s on direct order with Airbus and three A220-300s being leased from Azorra.

The aircraft’s special livery marks the 50th Anniversary of the Independence of Papua New Guinea. The intricate design was brought to life by a dedicated Airbus team of 120 painters who worked to apply 11 distinct colours using a special airbrushing technique.

This delivery highlights the A220’s strong  position in its segment, combining the longest range (6,700km) with the lowest fuel consumption in its class, – 25% less than previous-generation aircraft. The A220-100, which serves the 100-135 seat market, is a crucial component of this modern airliner family, while the larger A220-300 is tailored for the 120-160 seat segment. This Air Niugini A220-300 is configured to accommodate a total of 138 passengers, a testament to its flexibility and suitability for the carrier’s network.

The A220 is poised to become the centrepiece of the airline’s regional and international fleet, providing a new level of operational efficiency and passenger comfort. Its unmatched efficiency, coupled with a spacious cabin and the range to connect various destinations, positions it as an exemplary fit for the carrier’s network and its overarching objectives for long-term growth.

The airframe integrates 40% advanced materials, resulting in a lighter-weight aircraft. The A220 also incorporates optimised aerodynamics with a newly designed nose and tail cone, both of which contribute to reducing drag. In fact, the A220 has the smallest fuselage wetted area -the surface directly in contact with the air- in its class.

The A220 is powered by Pratt & Whitney’s latest-generation GTF™ engines, offering a 25% reduction in carbon emissions per seat compared with previous-generation aircraft. As with all Airbus aircraft, the A220 is already able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), with a target for all aircraft to be capable of operating with up to 100% SAF by 2030.

As of the end of August 2025, Airbus has secured more than 940 orders for the A220 from over 30 customers, and has delivered over 440 aircraft. The A220 is already flying on more than 1,800 routes to more than 480 destinations worldwide, confirming its leading position in the small single-aisle market.