Today we not only receive this great new aircraft, but we usher in a new era of growth and efficiency for our National Flag Carrier, Air Niugini.
This has taken a lot of hard work for all involved.

The arrival of the ‘People’s Balus’ is a symbol of progress, a statement of confidence, and a promise of better things to come for Air Niugini.

For the first time in our airline’s 52-year history, we have acquired brand-new jet aircraft. This is a massive step forward by the Marape Government—a re-fleeting effort that has never been done before by previous governments. We are quite literally building a new airline within an existing airline.

This Airbus A220 is the perfect fit for Papua New Guinea. These are not second-hand planes; they were built specifically for us—for our unique flying conditions, for our people, and for our future. While they are more spacious and quieter, they are also smart machines. They will make money for Air Niugini, provided we support them with smart pilots, smart engineers, and functioning airports ready to accommodate them.

This day has been long in coming and has taken a great deal of sheer hard work and patience. But the fruit of that labor stands before us today. This is the first of 11 Airbus planes that will join our fleet. Two more will arrive before the end of this year, allowing us to properly phase out our current fleet and give our passengers the flying experience they deserve—with wider seats, larger windows, and in-flight WiFi to stay connected with family and work.

The future of Air Niugini is strong. As we transition from the past era of flight to this new world of a much more capable fleet, we do so with pride.

Thank you, and welcome home to the People’s Balus.”