Papua New Guinea’s national carrier, Air Niugini, has unveiled its first Airbus A220 aircraft, recently completed at the Mirabel factory in Canada. Nicknamed “Barus of the People”, the aircraft features a striking red, black, and gold livery along with a commemorative emblem celebrating PNG’s 50th Independence Anniversary, symbolizing the airline’s confident step into a new era.
Air Niugini emphasized that this aircraft is more than just a plane—it represents national progress, unity, and pride. The introduction of the A220 marks a new phase in PNG’s civil aviation development and reflects the country’s growing presence in the regional aviation landscape.
The aircraft has been designed to balance efficiency, comfort, and performance, better meeting the demands of PNG and Pacific routes. The cabin features all-new ergonomically designed seats, spacious layouts, and soft, adjustable ambient lighting to enhance passenger experience. Notably, the aircraft offers larger luggage compartments and complimentary Wi-Fi, showcasing international standards of modern air travel.
“‘Barus of the People’ is not only a means of transportation, but also a reflection of our national culture and a carrier of our vision for the future,” Air Niugini stated. The airline plans to deploy the aircraft on both regional and international routes, where it will serve as a flying ambassador of Papua New Guinea, showcasing the nation’s resilience, diversity, and aspirations.
The aircraft is scheduled for an official public launch next week, when the public will learn more about its technical capabilities and the team effort behind its development. Industry experts believe that the A220 will enhance Air Niugini’s competitiveness and set a new benchmark in the broader regional aviation market.
