In March 2024, Air Niugini will launch a historic route that will be the longest for the Airbus A220 to and from Australia. This flight route, which will connect Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea with Sydney, Australia, coincides with the start of the IATA Summer Schedule.
Details of Air Niugini’s New Route
The airline plans to introduce its Airbus A220-300 aircraft for this service. Currently, Air Niugini operates a Boeing 737-800 on the Port Moresby to Sydney route twice a week. Beginning on March 29, 2024, this frequency will increase to three weekly round trips using the A220-300 models.
Flight Schedule
- Departure from Port Moresby: 1:10 PM on Thursday, Friday, and Sunday.
- Arrival in Sydney: 5:05 PM on the same days.
- Return from Sydney: 7:45 AM on Friday, Saturday, and Monday.
- Arrival back in Port Moresby: 11:45 AM.
Significance of the A220-300
Air Niugini’s upgrade to the Airbus A220-300 reflects a commitment to enhancing passenger comfort while reducing fuel consumption and emissions. Acting CEO Gary Seddon emphasized that the new aircraft would provide superior comfort compared to their predecessors.
The airline has ordered a total of 11 Airbus A220 aircraft, including both the A220-100 and A220-300 variants. The fleet configuration allows for 138 passengers, encompassing eight business class recliners and 130 economy seats.
Delivery Timeline
| Model | Delivered | On Order |
|---|---|---|
| A220-100 | 8 | |
| A220-300 | 3 |
The first Airbus A220-300 was delivered to Air Niugini in September 2023, with a special livery to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Papua New Guinea’s independence. The delivery involved a multi-stop flight from Montreal that included Vancouver, Honolulu, and Fiji.
Qantas Competitor Route
Meanwhile, Qantas is also expanding its A220 operations. The Australian carrier is set to start A220 flights from Brisbane to Wellington, covering a distance of 1,356 nautical miles. This route is nearly as long as the Air Niugini service and will also feature an emphasis on passenger comfort.
The introduction of these routes showcases the growing importance of the Airbus A220 in the Asia-Pacific region, with Air Niugini and Qantas leading the way in enhancing service experiences for travelers.
