‍MIRABEL — Air Niugini (PX), the national carrier of Papua New Guinea, welcomed its first Airbus A220-300 aircraft, becoming the 25th global A220 aircraft operator and further strengthening A220’s position on the market.

Significant Milestone

Brand new A220 named “People's Balus” departed Airbus' final assembly line in Mirabel towards Port Moresby with scheduled stops in Vancouver, Honolulu, and Fiji.

This delivery marks the start of Air Niugini's fleet modernisation programme with eight A220-100 aircraft ordered directly from Airbus and three A220-300s leased from Azorra. 

Airline’s A220-300 aircraft is configured to carry 138 passengers.

The aircraft is painted in a special livery dedicated to the 50th anniversary of Papua New Guinea's independence. A dedicated Airbus team of 120 painters applying 11 distinct colors using an airbrushing technique brought the special design to life.

A220 Confident Player on the Market

Powered by Pratt & Whitney’s latest-generation GTF engines, Airbus A220 combines the longest range of up to 6,700km with a 25% reduction in fuel consumption and 25% reduction in carbon emissions per seat compared to previous-generation aircraft. 

Brand new A220s are made of 40% advanced materials, making them lighter. The newly designed nose and tail cone help to reduce drag. Furthermore, A220 has the smallest fuselage wetted area in its class, enhancing its efficiency even further.

Already today, A220 can fly with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), aiming to be capable of operating 100% SAF flights by 2030.

Airbus A220-100 can carry 100-135 passengers, while the larger A220-300 can fit between 120 and 160 people. Spacious and quiet cabin boosts passengers’ comfort to a new level.

Airbus has received over 940 orders for the A220 Family of aircraft from more than 30 airlines and lessors, with 440 aircraft already delivered to customers. The A220 is operating more than 1,800 routes and serving over 480 global destinations, confirming its status as the leading single-aisle aircraft in the market.