Our Story
To the people of Papua New Guinea, Air Niugini is more than just their national airline—it’s a symbol of the country’s astonishing progress. Over the years, Air Niugini has significantly boosted trade and tourism, bringing diverse local communities together and helping to create a more unified nation.
One Airline for One Nation
The idea of creating a single national airline for Papua New Guinea was born in September 1972, when the country was still under Australian rule. Despite challenges, the Papua New Guinea government secured a 60% stake in the new airline, with TAA, Qantas, and Ansett sharing the remaining shares. This agreement led to the birth of Air Niugini, named after the Tok Pisin word “Niugini,” which translates to “New Guinea.”
Taking to the Skies
Air Niugini began operations in 1973, initially taking over Papua New Guinea’s domestic routes and rapidly expanding its network to previously inaccessible areas. The airline’s inaugural year saw 350,000 passengers—exceeding expectations. By 1975, Air Niugini added more aircraft to its fleet and expanded internationally with routes to Brisbane, Manila, and Hong Kong.
International Expansion
Under the leadership of new management in 1976, Air Niugini experienced rapid international expansion, adding destinations such as Hong Kong and Kagoshima. The airline continued to invest in new technology and infrastructure, enhancing its service offerings both domestically and internationally.
Milestones and Growth
In 1980, Air Niugini appointed its first Papua New Guinean General Manager, Joseph Tauvasa, who oversaw the expansion of the airline’s fleet and network. In 1982, a management agreement with Dutch airline KLM further boosted Air Niugini’s performance, leading to the introduction of an all-jet service to the New Guinea Islands region.
Pride of Papua New Guinea
After more than 32 years of operation, Air Niugini remains a vital part of Papua New Guinea’s economy, providing essential transport services where no road links exist. Today, Air Niugini operates a robust domestic network from [Port Moresby] and Lae, alongside international services across Asia, Oceania, and Australia
Fleet Evolution
- 1973: Air Niugini’s initial fleet of Fokker F27s and DC3s flew over 27,000 hours.
- 1975: The fleet expanded to 10 aircraft, including leased Boeing 727s and a Boeing 707 for international routes.
- 1979: The airline upgraded its fleet with Fokker F28 jets and Boeing 707s.
- 1984-1990: Further fleet expansion included the introduction of Airbus A310s and additional Fokker F28s.
- Present Day: Air Niugini’s fleet now includes Boeing 767 and 737 jets for international routes, Fokker F-100s for regional flights, and Q400 and Dash 8 aircraft for challenging terrains.
Today, the airline continues to connect Papua New Guinea to the world, symbolizing the nation’s ongoing progress and unity.
