The national airline of Papua New Guinea, Air Niugini, has ordered a pair of Boeing 787-8s, adding to the list of operators of the type.
Air Niugini ordered two Boeing 787-8 aircraft to support its growth of international capacity and to help the island nation increase inbound tourist capacity.
“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,” said Gary Seddon, the acting chief executive officer (CEO) of Air Niugini.
According to Boeing, more than 85 customers have ordered over 1,600 787s since it entered service in 2011, making the aircraft “the fastest-selling widebody airplane in history”.
“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,” added Erika Pearson, the vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing, Southeast Asia, and Oceania at Boeing.
Air Niugini currently operates two Boeing 767-300ER aircraft, with one leased from Icelandair. However, both planes are aging, one is more than 31 years old, while the other is more than 23 years old.
In addition to the pair of wide-body jets, the airline also has a single Boeing 737-800, four De Havilland Canada DHC-8-300, two DHC-8-Q200, one DHC-8-Q300, three DHC-8-Q400, seven six Fokker F70, and seven Fokker F100 aircraft.
The airline has previously placed orders for four Boeing 737 MAX aircraft as well. While Boeing was scheduled to deliver the first in 2020, the Papua New Guinean carrier moved the delivery date to 2024.