Air Niugini Cancels Boeing 787 Order, Leaves Long-Haul Future Uncertain

Air Niugini has cancelled its previously announced order for two Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners, according to updated Boeing orders and deliveries data released in January 2026. The move leaves Papua New Guinea’s flag carrier without a confirmed replacement for its aging Boeing 767-300ER fleet, which is scheduled to retire this year.

The two 787-8s were originally ordered in June 2023 as part of a long-haul fleet modernization plan designed to expand international connectivity from Air Niugini’s hub at Port Moresby International Airport into Asia, Australia and New Zealand. At the time, the airline said the Dreamliners would replace its two Boeing 767-300ERs and support new routes while boosting tourism and business links for PNG.

Industry observers describe the cancellation as a significant shift in Air Niugini’s strategic planning, coming at a critical moment as the carrier rethinks its fleet composition amid financial and operational pressures. Without a direct widebody successor lined up, the airline now faces the challenge of maintaining international services and capacity once the 767s exit service.

Air Niugini’s broader refleet strategy has included introducing modern narrowbody Airbus A220 aircraft to replace older domestic and regional jets. Deliveries of the A220 family were underway in 2025 and are expected to continue, providing improved economics and reliability on shorter routes. However, those jets do not have the range or capacity of the Dreamliners needed for long-haul flights.

With the widebody replacement plan now in flux, industry analysts expect Air Niugini to consider interim solutions such as leasing widebody aircraft or extending the service life of the existing 767s while it finalizes a new long-haul approach. Some market watchers believe partnerships or code-share agreements with other carriers could help sustain key international links in the near term.

The cancellation also has broader implications for Papua New Guinea’s connectivity and tourism economy. Direct flights on long-haul capable jets like the 787 had been seen as a catalyst for greater inbound visitor traffic and stronger business ties with major markets like Australia and Asia. The absence of a clear replacement may slow expansion plans and limit capacity growth on high-demand routes.

Air Niugini has not yet disclosed specific alternatives or a revised timeline for securing new widebody aircraft. As portfolio decisions evolve, the airline will need to balance financial constraints with the imperative to sustain and grow its international network.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com