Air Niugini Finalizes Order for Two New Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners

Papua New Guinea-based Air Niugini has placed a firm order for two Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners to support their long-haul fleet. The jets will enable the carrier to fly new routes from the Pacific Island nation, boosting inbound tourist capacity.

Air Niugini Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner Rendering - Courtesy Boeing

On Monday (June 5, 2023), Boeing announced that Air Niugini, the national flag carrier of Papua New Guinea has placed a firm order for two state-of-the-art Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners. The aircraft will support the carrier’s long-haul fleet, allowing them to open new routes and bolster inbound tourism capacity. Boeing has worked with Air Niugini for over 45 years. The carrier currently operates a domestic network from Port Moresby across Papua New Guinea and beyond with international flights to the Asia Pacific region, including service to Australia, Singapore, the Solomon Islands and Fiji. The airline's fleet currently includes Boeing 737s and 767s.

In Monday’s announcement, Air Niugini’s Acting CEO, Gary Seddon, said,

“Signing this contract with Boeing for the purchase of two modern, widebody 787 Dreamliners will enable Air Niugini to grow its network across Asia, Australia, and New Zealand and fulfill its mission as the premier airline in Papua New Guinea, providing the best air service in the region.”

Boeing’s VP – Commercial Sales and Marketing, Southeast Asia and Oceania, Erika Pearson, added,

“The excellent capability of the 787 allows Air Niugini to open Port Moresby to more destinations, increasing tourism and economic growth in the South Pacific region. The Dreamliner's flexibility, outstanding efficiency and unmatched passenger comfort will enable Air Niugini to provide improved long-haul connectivity to the islands.”

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner can fly up to 20 percent more passengers while reducing fuel and emissions by up to 25 percent compared to the airplanes it replaces. The 787-8 has a range of up to 7,000 nautical miles (13,530 km) in a typical two-class configuration. To date, more than 85 customers worldwide have ordered over 1,600 Dreamliners, making the 787 Family the fastest-selling widebody airplane in history. Since entering service in 2011, the 787s fuel efficiency, flexibility and range have enabled airlines to open over 350 new direct routes.

Source: Boeing