AIR NIUGINI’S NEW AIRBUS A220-300 OPERATES FIRST SCHEDULED INTERNATIONAL SERVICE TO CAIRNS, MARKING A NEW ERA FOR PNG-AUSTRALIA CONNECTIVITY
National flag carrier Air Niugini achieved a significant milestone in its fleet modernisation program when its new Airbus A220-300 aircraft, operated its first scheduled international service on Friday 27th March 2026 from Port Moresby to Cairns, Australia, as flight PX 90.
Air Niugini Chief Executive Officer, 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. 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,” he said.
Milne added that Cairns was a natural choice for the aircraft’s first international service given the strong historical, economic and tourism links between Papua New Guinea and Far North Queensland.
He said the flight also celebrated the long-standing aviation relationship between Papua New Guinea and Far North Queensland. Air Niugini was the first international airline to operate into Cairns Airport, commencing services in September 1975, establishing a historic link that has continued to grow over the past five decades.
“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,” Milne said.
The Chief Executive Officer explained that Air Niugini currently operates nine flights per week between Port Moresby and Cairns, including three same-day return services and six overnight services, making the route one of the airline’s most important international connections.
Beyond Port Moresby, Air Niugini offers travellers from Cairns onward to travel to the rest of Papua New Guinea, as well as convenient international connections to Manila, Hong Kong, Singapore, Honiara, Port Vila, Nadi and, from July, Narita in Japan. The introduction of the A220-300 will see the aircraft replace the airline’s Fokker and Boeing 737 aircraft currently operating on the Cairns route, delivering improved fuel efficiency, reduced emissions and a significantly enhanced onboard passenger experience.
Chief Executive Officer of Cairns Airport, Richard Barker, welcomed the deployment of Air Niugini’s new aircraft on the route. “Cairns Airport is proud to welcome Air Niugini’s new Airbus A220-300 on its first international service. 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.
“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.
