Air Niugini and airBaltic partnership

Air Niugini, the national airline of Papua New Guinea, is working with airBaltic, a Latvian airline, to help it transition to operating the Airbus A220 aircraft. The collaboration involves transferring experienced pilots from airBaltic to Air Niugini to support its training and operational goals.

Pilot transfer begins

The first two pilots from airBaltic have joined Air Niugini, marking the start of a twelve-month agreement. This agreement allows for thirty pilots to be transferred to support the airline’s operations and training of its future crews, with the remaining pilots expected to join over the next two months.

Expertise and training support

According to Captain Granger Narara, Air Niugini’s general manager of air operations, the transferred pilots are experienced A220 pilots with instructor-level knowledge. Their role includes flying with Air Niugini crews, sharing operational experience, and helping train local pilots on the A220 aircraft.

Rotation and operational schedule

The thirty airBaltic pilots will be integrated into Air Niugini’s operations using a 28-day rotation cycle. At any given time, around fifteen pilots will be based in Papua New Guinea to support the airline’s growing fleet and operational needs.

Fleet expansion and modernization

Air Niugini currently operates three Airbus A220-300 aircraft and is set to receive eight A220-100 aircraft. This expansion aims to modernize its fleet and enhance its national and regional air travel network across Papua New Guinea and surrounding areas.