Air Niugini A220 makes first flight to Lae

The official delegation included Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso and State Owned Entities Minister William Duma on arrival at Nadzab, Morobe Province (NBC News)

Air Niugini's A220-300 series aircraft has successfully delivered its maiden commercial flight today, touching down at Lae's Nadzab Tomodachi Airport at around 11:02 am- an approximately 40-minute flight out of Port Moresby.

On board the aircraft was the Deputy Prime Minister and member for Lae John Rosso, State Enterprises Minister William Duma, Vice Minister for SOE Rafael Tonpi, Kumul Consolidated Holding Ltd Managing Director, Professor David Kavanamur, Air Niugini Board Chairman Karl Yalo, the media among others including over 100 passengers.

Before boarding the aircraft at Jackson's Airport, State Owned Enterprises Minister William Duma said this marks a key milestone for the country's aviation industry going into the next 50 years.

This maiden flight replicates the first flight in 1973 on Air Niugini's DC-3 aircraft.

Upon arrival at Nadzab, DPM Rosso addressed waiting passengers, adding that this will greatly address flight delays, cancellations, and others.

Meantime, two similar aircraft are expected in the country before the year ends and will greatly boost the flag carrier's flight services.