Air Niugini launched its all-new Airbus A220-300 aircraft on its Port Moresby-Cairns route on 27 March 2026, part of the fleet modernisation and also marking the plane’s first international service.
The airline’s A220s debuted in September 2025 for exclusive deployment on Air Niugini’s domestic network.
The 90-minute Port Moresby-Cairns service represents the first international flight for Air Niugini’s A220-300 and a new chapter for the flag carrier’s fleet transformation and network expansion.
The A220, with a seat capacity of 138 passengers, will replace the Boeing B737 and Fokker aircraft currently operating on the Cairns route.
The full-service airline currently operates nine flights per week between Port Moresby (Jacksons) Airport (POM) and Cairns Airport (CNS), including three same-day return services and six overnight services, making this route one of the airline’s most important international connections.
Air Niugini CEO Alan Milne said the introduction of the A220-300 on international services is an important step for the airline as it continues to modernise its fleet and enhance the passenger experience.
“The Airbus A220-300 is a modern, fuel-efficient aircraft that offers greater comfort, reliability and operational efficiency,” he said.
“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.”
Beyond Port Moresby, Air Niugini connects Cairns travellers to the rest of PNG, plus international links to Manila, Hong Kong, Singapore, Honiara, Port Vila, Nadi and, from July 2026, Narita in Japan.
Cairns Airport CEO Richard Barker welcomed the deployment of Air Niugini’s new aircraft on the route.
“Air Niugini has a long and historic connection with Cairns as the first international airline to operate here,” 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.”
Air Niugini also operates flights from Brisbane eight times per week to Port Moresby and will commence a third weekly service from Sydney to Port Moresby from 2 April 2026.
KARRYON UNPACKS: For advisors, the A220-300 aircraft increases the appeal of PNG as a destination and a transit hub. The new aircraft’s international debut shows how fleet renewal can strengthen regional routes, offering broader connections across the South Pacific and Asia.
