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Air Niugini is set to step up competition with Qantas on Sydney-Port Moresby services with new aircraft and an extra weekly flight.
The Papua New Guinea flag carrier is introducing its new A220-300 fleet on the route from 29 March, with a third weekly service also planned for the city pair. The A220s will replace the 737-800s currently used on the route, which is occasionally also operated by 767s.
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While the 138-seater A220s have a lower capacity than the 737-800s, the addition of the extra service will nonetheless increase available seats on the route.
Air Niugini now has three A220s, with the third, P2-PGC, having touched down in the country last month. The carrier’s officer in charge, Captain Samiu Taufa, said the arrival of the A220s is part of “the airline’s determination to modernise operations after years of operating ageing aircraft”.
“Each new A220 strengthens our ability to stabilise operations, increase reliability and provide a better experience for our passengers. This aircraft represents progress, renewal and our commitment to building a future-ready national airline,” Captain Taufa said.
The A220 fleet has thus far been used on domestic routes within PNG. According to the country’s Minister for State Owned Enterprises, William Duma, its government is committed to “strengthening Air Niugini and ensuring reliable air connectivity across Papua New Guinea”.
“A modern and dependable national airline is essential for economic growth, trade, tourism and national unity,” he said.
“The A220 will transform the way our people travel domestically and establish our country as a true gateway connector between the markets of Asia and the Pacific.
“A lot has been said about the aircraft, now we must see it do the job safely and sustainability for the people of PNG now and into the future.”
The news comes as Qantas plans to launch two 737 services per week from Sydney to Port Moresby starting in March, adding around 35,000 seats per year and complementing existing Brisbane–Port Moresby flights, ahead of the entry of the Papua New Guinea Chiefs to the NRL in 2028.
“We’re seeing growth in business travel between Sydney and Port Moresby and that’s building further as PNG ramps up preparations for Australia’s premier rugby league competition,” said Cam Wallace, chief executive of Qantas International, in December.
Air Niugini is currently the only airline on the Sydney–Port Moresby route.
