PM Marape: Air Niugini’s New Airbus A220 a Symbol of National Pride and Unity
- Sep 25
- 3 min read
Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has welcomed the arrival of Air Niugini’s brand-new
Airbus A220, declaring it a proud moment for Papua New Guinea as the nation prepares to
celebrate its 50th Independence Anniversary tomorrow.
Speaking before a large crowd including Members of Parliament, members of the diplomatic
corps, international partners, and Air Niugini staff, Prime Minister Marape said the aircraft’s
arrival marked not only a milestone for the national airline but also a defining chapter in the
country’s story.
“Today, we see not only a new plane, but a symbol of who we are as Papua New Guineans
— resilient, determined, and capable of soaring higher,” PM Marape said.
He commended State Enteprises Minister Hon. William Duma and the Board and
management of Kumul Consolidated Holdings, Air Niugini Board Chairman Karl Yalo, the
Board, management, and staff for steering the airline through the acquisition, and thanked
partners Airbus, Azorra, and financial institutions including the Asian Development Bank for
their support.
The Prime Minister paid tribute to Captain Beverley Paki, who made history by flying the
A220 into Jacksons International Airport, and reflected on her father, Captain Ted Paki, one
of the country’s pioneer pilots.
“When our founding fathers were asked if Papua New Guineans could ever become pilots,
doctors, engineers, or leaders, they replied with determination. Today, Captain Paki — the
daughter of one of our very first pilots — has proven to the world that our sons and
daughters can do it, and will continue to do it,” PM Marape said to applause.
Air Niugini and PNG
Air Niugini is thrilled to unveil a special commemorative livery on its first Airbus A220,
marking a significant milestone in both the airline’s history and Papua New Guinea’s 50th
Anniversary of Independence.
The brand-new aircraft, affectionately dubbed the ‘People’s Balus’, features a vibrant livery that incorporates Papua New Guinea’s national flag and the official logo for the 50th Independence Anniversary, which serves as a flying tribute to the nation’s rich heritage and bright future,
proudly showcasing the colours of Papua New Guinea both domestically and around the region.
Air Niugini Acting CEO, Captain Samiu Taufa MBE, stated: This aircraft is more than just a new addition to our fleet, it is our first brand new, next generation jet aircraft and captures the spirit of our nation and our aspirations for the future.
As we celebrate 50 years of independence, the ‘People’s Balus’ stands as a testament to
our journey and our commitment to progress. Air Niugini has ordered a total of eleven A220s
as part of its fleet modernisation program.
PM Marape noted that Air Niugini was founded on 1 November 1973, just one month before
Papua New Guinea gained self-government, describing the airline and the country as
“Siamese twins” that had grown together ever since.
“For 52 years, Air Niugini has carried our flag and our people with pride. It has connected
remote villages and towns with each other and with the wider world, keeping our nation
united and engaged with the region,” he said.
He highlighted that 90 per cent of Air Niugini’s workforce today are Papua New Guineans,
reflecting the foresight of the Somare generation who dreamed of a nation capable of
training its own people to lead in every profession.
“Air Niugini must grow to become more than our national airline — it must become a bridge
between East and West, linking our people and our trade to the world,” Mr Marape said.
PM Marape reaffirmed that the government would continue supporting the airline through
guarantees and partnerships to ensure safety, sustainability, and profitability.
A Call for National Pride and Unity On the eve of Independence Day, PM Marape urged Papua New Guineans to see the A220 as a symbol of the country’s enduring spirit and potential.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the service of generations of pilots, engineers, cabin
crew, and ground staff who have kept the airline flying since 1973.
“Governments will come and go, but Air Niugini — like Papua New Guinea itself — will live
on. May this new aircraft inspire every child in our nation to dream bigger, to reach higher,
and to believe that nothing is beyond our reach.”
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