The Australian Government has agreed to extend technical assistance to Air Niugini (PX, Port Moresby) for its fleet replacement program, with Papua New Guinea's (PNG) state enterprises minister William Duma and Australian high commissioner to PNG, Jon Philp, signing a MOU on the matter on February 16 in Canberra.

Also signatory to the MOU was David Kavanamur, managing director of Air Niugini's state-owned parent entity, Kumul Consolidated Holdings. “The Australian government recognises the importance of securing Air Niugini’s future fleet as a critical infrastructure solution for PNG," said Philp via a statement.

Air Niugini is looking to replace its two B767-300ERs with a pair of B787-8s. Air Niugini ordered four of the type from Boeing (BOE, Washington National) at the 2014 Singapore Air Show with the first due to be delivered in 2020. However, early that year Air Niugini pushed back delivery until 2024 to "give the airline more time to complete a broader review of its fleet plans."

Boeing's latest undelivered order data indicates there are still four B737-8s on order but PNG media are now reporting that Air Niugini will take two, with deliveries no earlier than 2026. “This program is key to the airline’s financial reform and long-terms viability," said Duma. “This will be the largest and most important transaction in Air Niugini’s history.”

Also up for replacement is the airline's fleet of Fokker Aircraft of which it presently operates seven F100s and six F70s. The average age of the F100 fleet is 30 years and the average age of the F70 fleet is 27 years. The statement does not specify which aircraft type will replace the Fokkers, but does say it is looking to transition to modern, more efficient, regional jet aircraft. "Fleet replace is expected to reduce carbon emissions by employing modern aircraft technology, optimising flight paths, routes flown, and aircraft types," added Duma.

In addition to the Fokkers and two B767-300(ER)s, Air Niugini also operates one B737-800, four DHC-8-300s, two DHC-8-Q200s, one DHC-8-Q300, and three DHC-8-Q400. All but one of the De Havilland Aircraft of Canada aircraft are at the airline on ACMI leases. The airline flies to 32 destinations in nine countries, including Australia, Hong Kong, Solomon Islands, the Philippines, Fiji, and Singapore, with the B767-300(ER)s connecting Port Moresby to Sydney Kingsford Smith, Brisbane International, Manila Ninoy Aquino International, Hong Kong International, and Singapore Changi.