Air Niugini is thrilled to unveil a special commemorative livery on its first Airbus A220, marking a significant milestone in both the airline’s history and Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary.
The brand-new aircraft, affectionately dubbed the “People’s Balus,” features a vibrant livery that incorporates Papua New Guinea’s national flag and the official 50th Independence Anniversary logo. This unique livery serves as a flying tribute to the nation’s rich heritage and bright future, proudly showcasing the colours of Papua New Guinea both domestically and around the region.
The intricate painting process was meticulously carried out at the Airbus facility in Mirabel, Canada. A dedicated team of 120 painters worked tirelessly over three shifts, 24/7 to bring the design to life, utilizing eleven distinct colours and employing special airbrushing and advanced stencil overlay techniques to achieve the complex layering effect. This innovative approach marks only the second time Airbus has applied such a technique on an A220 aircraft, setting new standards for aircraft livery design and implementation.
Air Niugini Acting CEO Captain Samiu Taufa, MBE stated, “This aircraft is more than just a new addition to our fleet, it is our first brand new, next generation jet aircraft and captures the spirit of our nation and our aspirations for the future. As we celebrate 50 years of independence, the ‘People’s Balus’ stands as a testament to our journey and our commitment to progress.”
The Airbus A220 comes in two variants — the A220-100 (seating 113 passengers) and the larger A220-300 (seating 138 passengers). Powered by new-generation Pratt & Whitney GTF engines and with advanced aerodynamics, the A220 delivers approximately 25 % lower fuel burn per seat and 50 % less noise footprint than the older generation aircraft it will replace. Its cabin offers an exceptional and comfortable inflight experience – featuring wide seats, extra-large windows, spacious overhead bins, free wifi, and a quiet, well-lit environment.
The aircraft currently carries the Canadian test registration, C-FOWU, however following the completion of PNG CASA registration requirements, the People’s Balus will be registered P2-PGA. This be followed by the issuing of a PNG Certificate of Airworthiness. The aircraft will be flown from Mirabel to Port Moresby.
With the introduction of this aircraft, Air Niugini embarks on an exciting new era of modernization, focused on gradually phasing out the older generation Fokker fleet, and eventually the Boeing 737 aircraft as well, whilst enhancing connectivity and service reliability across the country and the region. Air Niugini has ordered a total of eleven A220s as part of its fleet modernization program. Three aircraft will be delivered by the end of this year, with the remaining aircraft arriving over the next three years
The first “People’s Balus” is scheduled to arrive in Port Moresby in September, aligning perfectly with the country’s 50th Independence anniversary celebrations. Air Niugini invites all Papua New Guineans to share in this historic moment as the aircraft takes to the skies, embodying the pride and unity of our nation.
