We’re going to jump out of the AIX bubble and head back to the real world for a bit, where Boeing and Air Niugini have announced an order for Boeing 787 Dreamliners.
Air Niugini Boeing 787-8 – Rendering, The Boeing Company.
Air Niugini has ordered two Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners to support the growth of the carrier’s long-haul fleet. The jets will enable the national flag carrier of Papua New Guinea to fly new routes from the Pacific island nation and boost capacity for inbound tourism.
The airline joins the list of 85 customers who have placed orders for over 1,600 Dreamliners, opening over 350 new nonstop rounds thanks to its ability to fly point-to-point, as well as hub-to-hub.
Air Niugini is a Boeing customer, with the company operating a Boeing 737-800 and two Boeing 767-300ER. It is intended the 787-8s will replace the 767s.
Interiors and configuration have not been announced – although the airline operates their current long-haul aircraft in a two-cabin configuration, so it would be logical to expect something similar to be installed in the new aircraft.
The airline is also an operator of the Fokker 70, 100 families and De Hallivand Dash 8-200, Dash 8-300 and Dash 8-400 turboprop aircraft, connecting from its hub at Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea to domestic and international flights across the Asia-Pacific region, including to Australia, Singapore, Solomon Islands and Fiji.
In Quotes
Gary Seddon, acting CEO of Air Niugini said
“Signing this contract with Boeing for the purchase of two modern, widebody 787 Dreamliners will enable Air Niugini to grow its network across Asia, Australia, and New Zealand and fulfill its mission as the premier airline in Papua New Guinea, providing the best air service in the region,”
Erika Pearson, Boeing vice president, Commercial Sales and Marketing, Southeast Asia and Oceania added:
“The excellent capability of the 787 allows Air Niugini to open Port Moresby to more destinations, increasing tourism and economic growth in the South Pacific region,”
“The Dreamliner’s flexibility, outstanding efficiency and unmatched passenger comfort will enable Air Niugini to provide improved long-haul connectivity to the islands.”
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