Air Niugini has launched its first scheduled international service using the Airbus A220-300, marking a key milestone in its fleet modernisation programme and strengthening air connectivity between Papua New Guinea and Australia.
The national carrier operated flight PX 90 from Port Moresby to Cairns on Friday, March 27, representing the aircraft type’s first international deployment following its introduction into the domestic network in September 2025.
Until now, the A220-300 has been used exclusively on domestic routes, serving key destinations including Lae, Kavieng, Manus, Gurney, Rabaul and Port Moresby. Its international debut signals the next phase of the airline’s fleet renewal and network expansion strategy.
The Cairns route—linking Port Moresby with Far North Queensland in approximately 90 minutes—has been identified as a strategic corridor, underpinned by strong trade, tourism and people-to-people ties.
Chief Executive Officer Alan Milne said deploying the A220-300 on international services enhances both operational capability and passenger experience.
“The Airbus A220-300 is a modern, fuel-efficient aircraft that offers greater comfort, reliability and operational efficiency. Deploying this aircraft on our international routes strengthens Air Niugini’s capability to connect Papua New Guinea with key regional destinations while delivering a world-class travel experience,” Milne said.
He added that Cairns was a natural choice for the aircraft’s first international service, given the long-standing economic and tourism links between Papua New Guinea and Australia.
Cairns Airport also holds historical significance for the airline. Air Niugini became the first international carrier to operate into Cairns in September 1975, establishing a connection that has expanded over the past five decades.
The airline currently operates nine weekly services between Port Moresby and Cairns, including three same-day return flights and six overnight services, making it one of its most important international routes.
The Airbus A220-300, configured with 138 seats in a two-class layout, features wider seats, larger windows, a quieter cabin and onboard Wi-Fi offered complimentary to passengers. The aircraft is also expected to deliver improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions compared with the Fokker and Boeing 737 aircraft it will replace on the route.
Cairns Airport Chief Executive Officer Richard Barker said the introduction of the new aircraft would further boost capacity and regional connectivity.
“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,” Barker said.
Beyond Cairns, Air Niugini offers onward connections across Papua New Guinea, as well as international services to Manila, Hong Kong, Singapore, Honiara, Port Vila and Nadi, with flights to Narita in Japan scheduled to commence in July.
The airline said additional A220 aircraft deliveries will play a central role in enhancing both domestic and regional operations, reinforcing its position as Papua New Guinea’s national carrier.
Following the Cairns launch, the A220-300 is scheduled to begin services to Sydney on March 29, followed by Honiara.
