The Papua New Guinea government is moving forward with financing to order a fleet of regional aircraft for Air Niugini. The goal is to replace their 26-year-old Fokker 70 and 100 aircraft. Local media report that negotiations with Airbus and Embraer for the A220-300 and E195-E2 are in progress.
Air Niugini is in the process of renewing its fleet, an operation delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The company had cancelled an order for four Boeing 737-8s due to company difficulties and delivery delays resulting from grounding the model.
However, it still has an order for two Boeing 787-8s to be delivered in 2026, replacing their two Boeing 767-300ERs. Furthermore, this year they will receive six second-hand aircraft, including Boeing 737-800 and Bombardier DHC Q-400.
Their current fleet consists of two Boeing 767s, a Boeing 737-800, a Q-300, three Q-400s, six Fokker 70s and seven Fokker 100s. Their subsidiary, LINK PNG, which operates domestic flights, has two Q-200s and four Q-300s.
Related: The Fokker 100, an aircraft ahead of its time
Decision Looms: Airbus A220 or Embraer E2
The company awaits the approval of the Papua New Guinea government cabinet. It is also seeking technical support from Australia to secure financing that will allow it to place the aircraft orders.
If approved, the new aircraft would arrive from 2025. The decision is between the A220 and Embraer E195-E2, both of which were recently showcased in the country.
Currently, the Fokkers operate in Cairns (Australia), Nadi (Fiji), and 11 out of 19 national destinations. In addition to replacing them, the autonomy and features of the A220 and E2 will allow for the addition of new routes.
As part of the plan, a new hangar construction at a cost of USD 19.4 million is included, subject to the approval of the National Airport Corporation.
