Canberra to assist PNG's Air Niugini with fleet renewal push

The Australian Government has agreed to extend technical assistance to Air Niugini for its fleet replacement program, with Papua New Guinea's (PNG) state enterprises minister William Duma and Australian high commissioner to PNG, Jon Philp, signing a MOU on the matter on February 16 in Canberra. Also signatory to the MOU was David Kavanamur, managing director of Air Niugini's state-owned parent entity, Kumul Consolidated Holdings. “The Australian government recognises the importance of securing Air Niugini’s future fleet as a critical infrastructure solution for PNG," said Philp. Air Niugini is looking to replace its two B767-300(ER)s with a pair of B787-8s. Air Niugini ordered four of the type from Boeing at the 2014 Singapore Air Show with the first due to be delivered in 2020. However, early that year Air Niugini pushed back delivery until 2024 to "give the airline more time to complete a broader review of its fleet plans." Boeing's latest undelivered order data indicates there are still four B737-8s on order but PNG media are now reporting that Air Niugini will take two, with deliveries no earlier than 2026. “This program is key to the airline’s financial reform and long-terms viability," said Duma. “This will be the largest and most important transaction in Air Niugini’s history.”<br/>