The airline will operate three return services each week, halving travel times between Papua New Guinea and New Zealand by eliminating the need to transit through Australia or other regional hubs.
The new route will initially be operated by Air Niugini’s Boeing 737-800 aircraft, transitioning next year to new Airbus A220 aircraft as the airline receives more of these aircraft from the factory. Both aircraft types offer passengers a travel experience with complimentary meals and drinks, and in-flight entertainment.
The introduction of the Airbus A220 fleet has strengthened Air Niugini’s operational capability, allowing the airline to boost domestic capacity and restore key international routes, while meeting growing demand for travel across the Pacific. More domestic routes will start to experience its A220 services as the National Airports Commission (NAC) continues to roll out its runway and terminal upgrade programme.
Air Niugini chief executive officer, Alan Milne, says the Auckland flights are timed to connect perfectly with existing Air Niugini services to and from Hong Kong, Singapore, Manila and Tokyo, promoting Papua New Guinea’s position as a ‘Pacific connector’ between the Pacific and Asia.
Passengers travelling from New Zealand will also access convenient onward connections through Port Moresby to Air Niugini’s domestic network throughout Papua New Guinea.
Tickets for the new Auckland services are on sale now.
