Controversy Ahead of Air Niugini’s First A220 Delivery

Air Niugini has hit back at claims it spent almost USD118,000 on a junket to Canada ahead of the delivery of its first A220-300.

In a September 2, 2025, statement, the airline rejected a report earlier that day by a Port Moresby newspaper claiming ten people had travelled to the Airbus facility in Mirabel, Canada for a ceremonial gathering and factory tour. The report cited "sources close to the airline."

Airbus is due to deliver the Air Niugini’s first of eleven A220s within days. The aircraft, P2-PGA (msn 55388), will then ferry to Port Moresby in mid-September and enter service shortly after. The airline expects delivery of three A220s by the end of the year.

Late last month, Air Niugini publicly showed off its first A220 after it left the assembly line in Mirabel. Alongside a series of social media posts, the airline released a series of splashy photos showcasing a very smart looking new plane.

But Air Niugini says only three airline representatives, including the chairman Karl Yalo, went to Mirabel for the event. It said their attendance was “standard practice” for such an event.

“A ceremonial handover is not a mere formality,” the airline said via a statement. “It is an important event that marks the official, symbolic transfer of ownership of a new aircraft from the manufacturer to the airline or the buyer.”

“The presence of key stakeholders and shareholder representatives signifies the importance of the occasion and ensures that the airline continues to strengthen its partnerships with aircraft manufacturers and other aviation industry stakeholders,” continued the statement. “Such relationships that are vital to securing ongoing, long-term support for Papua New Guinea’s aviation industry.”

Air Niugini did not say who the other two attendees were. CEO Gary Seddon remains suspended from duty after concerns arose about the airline’s A220 induction preparations.

Seven Air Niugini pilots are now qualified to fly the A220, with additional pilot training now underway in Canada. The airline expects to have 25 fully qualified A220 pilots by the end of the year. Type training will continue into 2026.

However, much of the imbroglio around Seddon’s suspension seems to centre on a now deleted press release issued by Air Niugini quoting Seddon saying all 15 airports in Papua New Guinea currently served by Fokker aircraft had been cleared to handle A220s. Seddon’s claims were based on technical studies conducted by Airbus. But the country’s National Airports Corporation, which operates and manages the airports, says it is more like five airports.

Eventually, the A220s will replace Air Niugini’s give Fokker 100s and four Fokker 70s. They will also take over some B737-800 operated services.

Opposition Leader Douglas Tomuriesa has called Seddon’s suspension “nonsense” and not in the public interest. He wants Seddon reinstated.

Meanwhile, Sydney-based aviation services company Aero Adapt is preparing to ferry P2-PGA to Port Moresby. According to Air Niugini, the aircraft will fly from Mirabel to Vancouver (YVR) to Honolulu (HNL) to Nadi (NAN) before touching down in Papua New Guinea’s capital on September 15. The arrival will coincide with Papua New Guinea’s 50 year anniversary of its independence.

Notwithstanding the controversies preceding its arrival, Air Niugini says the delivery of P2-PGA in Papua New Guinea will symbolise “a new era of flying and pride for our nation.”

Photo: Airbus.