Air Niugini Participates in ‘Airbus Beyond’ Training Program in Preparation for A220 Delivery

Air Niugini has announced their participation in the first ‘Airbus Beyond’ Training Program in Papua, New Guinea, as part of the carrier’s preparation for the arrival of their first A220 in September 2025.

Air Niugini Airbus A220-100 Rendering - Courtesy Airbus

On Friday (July 11, 2025), Air Niugini announced their participation of the first ‘Airbus Beyond’ Training Program, which took place in Papua, New Guinea from June 23 to 26, 2025.  This was an integral part of the airline’s preparation for the arrival of their first state-of-the-art Airbus A220 in September.  This initiative brought together 18 Air Niugini team members from various departments and airports for an intensive, interactive training program.  The immersive and gamified training program had participants simulate managing and operating an airline, pushing the groups to engage in real-time decision-making through hands-on simulations covering fleet planning, cost management, safety, and service delivery.

Speaking to the program’s participants, Air Niugini’s CEO, Mr. Gary Seddon, said,

“This program is more than just training.  It represents a journey of transformation for Air Niugini.  By blending global aviation best practices with immersive, gamified learning, we are equipping our people to thrive in a fast-evolving industry.  We are developing the skills of future airline leaders.  Take what you’ve learned and bring it to life in your workplace.  This training marks a new chapter in our re-fleeting journey, and each of you plays a vital role in our success. The future is bright, and we must embrace it with confidence and commitment.”

Air Niugini Team members Participate in the First ‘Airbus Beyond’ Training Program, Which Took Place in Papua, New Guinea from June 23rd through 26th, 2025 - Courtesy Air Niugini

As Air Niugini prepares to welcome their first Airbus A220 this September, the carrier is reaffirming their commitment to operational excellence, an enhanced guest experience, and regional connectivity.  The A220 is globally recognized for its fuel efficiency, quieter performance, and superior comfort—marking a new era for air travel in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific region.

Founded as the national airline of Papua, New Guinea, Air Niugini commenced commercial operations in 1973, initially taking over Papua New Guinea’s domestic routes and rapidly expanding its network to previously inaccessible areas.  The carrier is named after the Tok Pisin word ‘Niugini’, which translates to ‘New Guinea.’  After over 50 years of operations, Air Niugini remains a vital part of Papua New Guinea’s economy, providing essential transport services where no road links exist. Today, Air Niugini operates a robust domestic network from Port Moresby and Lae, alongside international services across Asia, Oceania, and Australia.  Air Niugini’s current fleet includes Boeing 767s and 737s for international routes, Fokker F-100s for regional service, and De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400s (Q400s) for accessing challenging terrains. In September 2025, the carrier will take delivery of their first Airbus A220.

Source: Air Niugini