The Air Niugini, in collaboration with an American engine manufacturer successfully conducted a comprehensive two-day technical bootcamp in Port Moresby recently.
The American engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney were at hand with Air Niugini to roll out the PW1500G bootcamp.
The meeting focused on ensuring operational readiness for the Entry into Service (EIS) of the advanced Pratt & Whitney PW1500G Geared Turbofan (GTF) engines, set to power Air Niugini’s new Airbus A220 fleet.
Air Niugini’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Gary Seddon emphasized the importance of the initiative.
“This forum is crucial for our technical staff as Air Niugini transitions to a more modern and efficient fleet,” Seddon said.
The GTF engines offer significant improvements in fuel efficiency and environmental performance, and it’s imperative that our team is fully prepared to support these advancements.”
The bootcamp brought together key stakeholders, including Pratt & Whitney’s Regional Field Service Support Team, Collins Aerospace FlightSense Program Managers, and Air Niugini’s Fleet Transition, Engineering & Maintenance, and Training Departments. The sessions provided in-depth insights into the PW1500G engine’s program status, field performance, in-service reliability trends, and product improvement roadmap.
Air Niugini’s fleet modernization includes the acquisition of Airbus A220-100 and A220-300 aircraft, which are powered by Pratt & Whitney’s state-of-the-art PW1500G engines.
These engines are renowned for their exceptional reliability, boasting a dispatch reliability rate of 99.91percent, and offer significant fuel efficiency improvements—up to 29 percent per trip or 26percent per seat compared to older models like the Boeing 737-800.
This also pave for the translation to an annual reduction of approximately 3,722 tonnes of Carbon dioxide emissions per aircraft, emphasizing Air Niugini’s commitment to sustainable aviation.
The bootcamp also encompassed a thorough EIS GAP analysis, reviewing readiness across critical areas such as spare parts availability, ground support equipment and tooling, engine health monitoring and data integration, and warranty support frameworks.
“For passengers, these advancements promise enhanced reliability, quieter cabins, and a more comfortable flying experience. This strategic partnership positions Air Niugini at the forefront of efficient, competitive, and environmentally responsible air travel in the region.
Pratt and Whitney engines have been used on Air Niugini aircraft previously including the Boeing 767 and Dash 8 aircraft. Air Niugini have a long and established history with the manufacturer.
