Air Niugini has unveiled a special commemorative livery on its first Airbus A220, marking a significant milestone in both the airline’s history and Papua New Guinea’s 50th independence anniversary.
The brand-new aircraft, affectionately dubbed the People’s Balus, features a vibrant design incorporating Papua New Guinea’s national flag and the official 50th anniversary logo. The livery serves as a flying tribute to the nation’s rich heritage and bright future, proudly showcasing the colours of Papua New Guinea both domestically and across the region.
The intricate painting process was carried out at the Airbus facility in Mirabel, Canada. A dedicated team of 120 painters worked around the clock in three shifts to bring the design to life, using 11 distinct colours and employing special airbrushing and advanced stencil overlay techniques to achieve the complex layering effect. This marks only the second time Airbus has applied such a technique on an A220, setting a new benchmark for aircraft livery design.
Air Niugini acting CEO Capt. Samiu Taufa, MBE, said: “This aircraft is more than just a new addition to our fleet. It is our first brand-new, next-generation jet and captures the spirit of our nation and our aspirations for the future. As we celebrate 50 years of independence, the People’s Balus stands as a testament to our journey and our commitment to progress.”
The Airbus A220 comes in two variants — the A220-100 (seating 113 passengers) and the larger A220-300 (seating 138). Powered by new-generation Pratt & Whitney GTF engines and featuring advanced aerodynamics, the A220 delivers about 25% lower fuel burn per seat and a 50% smaller noise footprint compared with the older aircraft it will replace. Its cabin offers an exceptional and comfortable in-flight experience, with wider seats, extra-large windows, spacious overhead bins, free Wi-Fi and a quieter, well-lit environment.
The aircraft currently carries the Canadian test registration C-FOWU. Once PNG Civil Aviation Safety Authority requirements are completed, the People’s Balus will be registered as P2-PGA, followed by the issue of a PNG certificate of airworthiness, before its delivery flight from Mirabel to Port Moresby.
With this aircraft, Air Niugini begins a new era of modernisation, focused on gradually phasing out its Fokker fleet and eventually its Boeing 737s, while improving connectivity and reliability across the country and the region.
Air Niugini has ordered 11 A220s as part of its fleet renewal programme. Three will be delivered by the end of this year, with the remaining aircraft arriving over the next three years.
The first People’s Balus is scheduled to arrive in Port Moresby in September, perfectly timed to coincide with the nation’s 50th independence anniversary. Air Niugini is inviting all Papua New Guineans to share in this historic moment as the aircraft takes to the skies, embodying the pride and unity of the nation.
