PNG Air ends DHC-8-100 ops, all remaining Dash 8s sold

By Andrew Curran.

PNG Air has discontinued Dash 8 operations, with the final two DHC-8-100s operating their last revenue flights in late June. The retirement of the sub-fleet sees the airline become an ATR-only operator.

Forty-year-old P2-MCK (MSN 041) operated its final flight between Lae (LAE) and Port Moresby (POM) on June 30, while 37-year-old P2-MCT (MSN 135) flew its last PNG Air service from Simberi Island (NIS) to Port Moresby on June 25.

A third cargo-configured Dash 8, P2-MCG (MSN 006), has not operated any flights over the past 12 months but remains in Port Moresby. CEO Brian Fraser said all three aircraft have been sold and will continue flying with other operators.

Fraser did not disclose the buyers, although the most recent DHC-8-100 to ferry out of Port Moresby was delivered to Kenya’s Renegade Air, where it now supports United Nations operations. The airline has also sold its Dash 8 spare parts inventory.

“The Dash 8 has been an extraordinary aircraft for PNG Air and for the people of Papua New Guinea,” Fraser said in a media statement. “These aircraft have connected communities and supported our nation's growth for many years.”

PNG Air has operated 15 Dash 8 aircraft over the past 11 years. However, the airline has steadily inducted ATR aircraft over the past two years, growing its fleet to 13 aircraft, including ten ATR72-600s and three ATR42-600s. PNG Air is using the ATR fleet to expand capacity and replace the ageing DHC-8-100s.

Fraser said operating an all-ATR fleet would simplify the airline’s fleet structure, improve operational reliability and reduce long-term maintenance costs.

“We are excited about the future as we continue our transition to a modern ATR fleet,” Fraser said.

PNG Air’s ATRs fly to twenty-two airports around Papua New Guinea.

Photo: AI-Generated.

Contact the writer: andrew@aerosouthpacific.com