The aircraft, named People’s Balus, departed the Airbus Final Assembly Line in Mirabel for its delivery flight to Port Moresby, with stops in Vancouver, Honolulu and Fiji. This milestone forms part of Air Niugini’s broader fleet modernisation programme, which includes eight A220-100s on order and three leased A220-300s.

 

The delivery also celebrates Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary. Airbus deployed a team of 120 painters to realise the aircraft’s intricate special livery, applying 11 colours using a specialised airbrushing technique.

 

The A220’s performance continues to set benchmarks in its category, offering a range of 6,700 km and 25% lower fuel consumption compared with previous-generation aircraft. The A220-100 serves the 100–135 seat market, while the larger A220-300, configured for 138 passengers on Air Niugini, targets the 120–160 seat segment.

 

Air Niugini intends the A220-300 to become a central component of its regional and international operations, offering both operational efficiency and passenger comfort. Its lightweight airframe integrates 40% advanced materials, while optimised aerodynamics—including redesigned nose and tail cones—reduce drag. The A220 also boasts the smallest fuselage wetted area in its class.

 

Powered by Pratt & Whitney’s latest-generation GTF™ engines, the aircraft cuts carbon emissions per seat by 25% compared with older models. It is certified to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), with Airbus targeting 100% SAF capability by 2030.

 

By the end of August 2025, Airbus had recorded more than 940 orders for the A220 from over 30 customers, delivering over 440 aircraft. The type now flies more than 1,800 routes to over 480 destinations worldwide, confirming its leading position in the small single-aisle market.

 

The introduction of the A220-300 underscores Air Niugini’s commitment to modernising its fleet and strengthening connectivity across the region and beyond.