Air Niugini Orders Two Boeing 787-8s and Becomes New Dreamliner Customer

In an exciting development, Boeing and Air Niugini have officially announced their agreement on June 6 to purchase two state-of-the-art 787-8 Dreamliners. This strategic move will support the expansion of Air Niugini’s long-haul fleet, enabling the national flag carrier of Papua New Guinea to introduce new routes from the Pacific island nation and enhance its capacity for inbound tourism.

Gary Seddon, the acting CEO of Air Niugini, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “By signing this contract with Boeing for the acquisition of two modern, widebody 787 Dreamliners, Air Niugini will not only expand its network across Asia, Australia, and New Zealand but also fulfill its mission as the leading airline in Papua New Guinea, offering the region’s finest air services.”

With over 85 global customers having already placed orders for more than 1,600 Dreamliners, the 787 Dreamliner has earned the distinction of being the fastest-selling widebody aircraft in history. Since its introduction in 2011, the 787 family has revolutionized the aviation industry with its exceptional fuel efficiency, operational flexibility, and extended range, facilitating the establishment of over 350 new nonstop routes.

Erika Pearson, Boeing’s Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing for Southeast Asia and Oceania, emphasized the transformative impact of the Dreamliner on Air Niugini’s operations: “The remarkable capabilities of the 787 will enable Air Niugini to expand its services from Port Moresby to numerous destinations, fostering tourism and driving economic growth in the South Pacific region. With its unrivaled flexibility, outstanding efficiency, and unmatched passenger comfort, the Dreamliner will revolutionize Air Niugini’s long-haul connectivity to the islands.”

Featuring lightweight composite materials and powered by advanced engines, the 787 Dreamliner can accommodate up to 20% more passengers while reducing fuel consumption and emissions by an impressive 25% compared to its predecessor. In a typical two-class configuration, the 787-8 boasts an impressive range of up to 13,530 km.

Boeing’s collaboration with Air Niugini spans over four and a half decades. Air Niugini currently operates a domestic network from Port Moresby throughout Papua New Guinea, in addition to offering international flights across the Asia-Pacific region, including destinations such as Australia, Singapore, the Solomon Islands, and Fiji. The airline’s existing fleet consists of Boeing 737s and 767s, and the addition of the 787 Dreamliners marks an exciting new chapter in their longstanding partnership.