Pilots from airBaltic to support Air Niugini

Thirty pilots from airBaltic are set to support Air Niugini's operations with its Airbus A220 aircraft and train its crews for one year. The first two captains from airBaltic, Andrej Rud and Janis Kolontajs, have already arrived in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.

Program structure and pilot rotations

The program involves thirty experienced airBaltic pilots, with the remaining participants expected to join gradually over the next two months. The agreement includes 28-day rotations, with approximately fifteen pilots present in Papua New Guinea at any given time.

Air Niugini's A220 fleet expansion

Air Niugini currently operates three A220-300 aircraft and has eight more A220-100 on firm order, aiming to build a fleet of eleven aircraft. The integration of these aircraft requires recruiting and training crews to operate them effectively.

airBaltic's role in A220 operations

Air Niugini is relying on airBaltic, which was the first airline to operate the A220-300 in 2016. The airBaltic pilots will fly alongside Air Niugini crews while supporting the training of its pilots to ensure smooth operations.

Leadership highlights the value of the partnership

Alan Milne, general director of Air Niugini, emphasized that the experience of airBaltic pilots will add significant value as the airline develops its A220 operations and strengthens its own crews. Captain Granger Narara, director of air operations at Air Niugini, noted that the pilots bring instructor-level knowledge and experience that will complement existing training programs.

airBaltic's financial restructuring

airBaltic requested protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. bankruptcy law on September 14, 2026, to restructure its debt. The company is continuing its operations under judicial control while negotiating with creditors, aiming to exit the program by June 2027.

Court approval and continued services

The court has authorized the continuation of essential aviation contracts, insurance coverage, loyalty programs, customer refunds, salary payments, and obligations to suppliers and the tax administration during the restructuring process.

Financing commitments for airBaltic

airBaltic has secured financing commitments that could reach 350 million euros to support its operations during the restructuring. A first amount of 140 million euros became available in September, while a hearing regarding the remaining 35 million of the first tranche of 175 million euros was postponed to October 19.

Continuity of passenger services

For passengers, airBaltic states that flights, bookings, and customer services continue normally despite the ongoing financial restructuring.