Air Niugini, the national airline of Papua New Guinea, has announced a strategic cooperation agreement with airBaltic, the Latvian carrier. Under this agreement, up to 45 airBaltic pilots will support Air Niugini’s Airbus A220 operations beginning in 2027. The initiative aims to bolster Air Niugini's fleet renewal efforts, as the airline replaces its aging aircraft with new-generation A220s, including three leased units and eight more on order.
The partnership is notable because it comes at a time when airBaltic itself is undergoing a substantial restructuring. The Latvian airline plans to reduce its A220 fleet from 54 to 36 aircraft by the end of 2026, before gradually expanding to approximately 40 aircraft by 2031. This restructuring followed airBaltic’s filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in September 2026, a move that has impacted its operations and fleet planning.
Supporting Fleet Modernization
By partnering with airBaltic, Air Niugini seeks to ensure continuity of operations and access to experienced pilots as it modernizes its fleet. The new A220 aircraft will replace older F70 and F100 models, improving regional connectivity and operational efficiency. The pilot leasing arrangement will help the carrier meet its staffing needs while it trains its own workforce.
"This cooperation allows us to accelerate our fleet modernization and support our expansion plans," said Alan Milne, CEO of Air Niugini.
Despite airBaltic’s financial difficulties, the cooperation demonstrates a strategic effort by both airlines to sustain regional aviation growth. Air Niugini remains committed to expanding its network and enhancing service quality, leveraging modern aircraft and experienced pilots brought in through this innovative partnership.
