- The Airbus A220, designed originally by Bombardier as the C Series before being acquired and rebranded by Airbus, is increasingly being viewed as a disruptor in the small single-aisle market.
- The A220 competes most directly with Boeing’s 737 MAX 7, which also targets the 130-seat market.
Air Niugini has confirmed a fresh order for two additional Airbus A220-100 aircraft, reinforcing its strategic fleet renewal programme and underlining the growing significance of the A220 family in the global regional jet market. This latest order brings the airline’s total firm commitment to eight aircraft, in addition to three A220-300s secured through leasing from US-based lessor Azorra.
The announcement coincides with a major milestone for the Papua New Guinean flag carrier: the first of its A220s has entered final assembly at Airbus’s Canadian facility in Mirabel, marking tangible progress towards the modernisation of its fleet.
Air Niugini CEO Gary Seddon said the A220 would “form the backbone of our domestic and regional fleet,” adding that the aircraft’s efficiency and passenger comfort make it a key asset in the airline’s future growth. “We have made the decision to increase our orders for this fuel-efficient type, bringing a whole new level of efficiency and comfort for our operations,” he said.
A New Chapter with the A220
The Airbus A220, designed originally by Bombardier as the C Series before being acquired and rebranded by Airbus, is increasingly being viewed as a disruptor in the small single-aisle market. The A220-100 and the slightly larger A220-300 are tailored for between 100 and 160 passengers, with a maximum range of 3,600 nautical miles (6,700 km) — comfortably covering regional routes and thinner long-haul services.
What distinguishes the A220 from many of its peers is a combination of advanced aerodynamics, composite materials, and Pratt & Whitney’s GTF™ engines. These engines alone contribute to a 25% reduction in fuel burn and carbon emissions per seat compared to older generation aircraft, making the A220 one of the most sustainable choices in its class.
Inside the cabin, passengers benefit from larger windows, reduced noise levels, and a 2-3 seating configuration that eliminates the dreaded middle seat for many travellers. Airbus also touts its ability to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) today, with an ambition to reach 100% SAF compatibility across its fleet by 2030.
Airbus vs Boeing: A Showdown in the Small Jet Segment
The A220 competes most directly with Boeing’s 737 MAX 7, which also targets the 130-seat market. However, while the MAX 7 is part of the broader and more established 737 family, it has seen slower uptake due to its relatively late arrival and the lingering reputational effects of the MAX programme’s earlier troubles.
In contrast, the A220 has carved out a niche with its clean-sheet design, attracting more than 900 orders from over 30 customers as of April 2025. More than 410 aircraft have been delivered, and the type is now operating with 24 airlines on over 1,600 routes globally.
While Airbus’s larger A320neo family remains the company’s best-seller in the single-aisle segment, the A220 fills a crucial gap at the lower end of the capacity spectrum — especially for carriers like Air Niugini, who need the range and comfort of a modern jet without the cost of operating larger aircraft.
A Strategic Move for Papua New Guinea
For Air Niugini, the A220 order signals more than just fleet renewal. It’s part of a broader push to stimulate economic connectivity and growth across Papua New Guinea’s challenging and often remote terrain. The aircraft’s performance on short and rough runways, combined with its range and capacity, makes it ideally suited to the region’s unique aviation needs.
Airbus’s EVP Sales, Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, said: “The A220 is quite simply the most efficient aircraft in its size category, with a wider and spacious cabin and the range to fly non-stop to any destination on the carrier’s network.”
As global demand for efficient regional jets continues to rise, Air Niugini’s expanded order reflects growing confidence in the A220’s role as a next-generation workhorse — both in the Pacific and beyond.
