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Air Niugini’s new A220-300 aircraft have operated their first international flight, to Cairns.
P2-PGB touched down in Cairns as flight PX90 at 11:20am on Friday, having previously operated only on Air Niugini’s domestic network within Papua New Guinea. The Cairns-Port Moresby route has previously been operated by a mix of Fokker 70 and 100 planes, as well as 737-800s.
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Air Niugini currently has three A220s in its fleet, each of which is fitted with 138 seats across two classes, with the new jets to replace the Fokkers and 737s on the Cairns route.
Since their introduction in September, they have flown to key PNG ports including Lae, Kavieng, Manus, Gurney, Rabaul and Port Moresby.
“The Airbus A220-300 is a modern, fuel-efficient aircraft that offers greater comfort, reliability and operational efficiency,” said Air Niugini CEO Alan Milne.
“Deploying this aircraft on our international routes strengthens Air Niugini’s capability to connect Papua New Guinea with key regional destinations while providing a world-class travel experience for our passengers.
“Cairns has always been an important gateway for Papua New Guinea, supporting strong business, tourism and family connections between our two regions.
“Launching the A220-300’s first international flight on this route highlights the importance of the PNG-Australia travel corridor and our commitment to strengthening that connectivity.”
Air Niugini was Cairns’ first international carrier, commencing services in September 1975, and Cairns Airport CEO Richard Barker said the A220s will offer Cairns-Port Moresby passengers improved fuel efficiency, reduced emissions and a better onboard passenger experience.
“Air Niugini has a long and historic connection with Cairns as the first international airline to operate here, and we value the strong relationship between Papua New Guinea and Far North Queensland over the last 50 years,” he said.
“The introduction of this modern aircraft will inject close to 65,000 seats into the Cairns market each year and further strengthen connectivity between our regions, supporting economic growth and creating new opportunities for trade, education and employment.”
Air Niugini is set to introduce its A220s on Port Moresby-Sydney from 29 March, with the small jets also slated to fly to Honiara in the Solomon Islands. The A220s will replace the 737-800s currently used on the Sydney route, which is occasionally also operated by 767s.
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