The Albanese and Marape Governments have welcomed Australia's support for Papua New Guinea's national airline Air Niugini Limited's (ANL) re-fleeting program.
Export Finance Australia (EFA) has provided a loan facility of up to US$35.8 million to Air Niugini to help finance the purchase of six Airbus A220-100 aircraft.
With this investment, older aircraft will be replaced with more reliable, fuel-efficient planes for Papua New Guinea, supporting the region's trade, tourism, investment and cultural exchange with Australia and the world.
This facility, in partnership with Asian Development Bank, highlights Australia's commitment to supporting sustainable infrastructure development in Papua New Guinea and across the region.
Founded in November 1973, Air Niugini provides a vital service connecting Papua New Guinea both domestically and to the world.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell:
"The Albanese Government is committed to supporting the economic growth of our Pacific neighbours, while also enhancing air travel safety, supporting tourism and increasing opportunities for exporters.
"Coinciding with Papua New Guinea's 50th anniversary of independence, this investment is just one way the Albanese Government is strengthening our close partnership with PNG."
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, Pat Conroy:
"Australia's investment in Air Niugini will help strengthen trade and tourism connectivity in the Pacific and provide infrastructure for future opportunity, growth and investment pathways."
"This project will deliver significant economic benefits Papua New Guinea, contributing to the nation's economic growth and reducing costs and environmental impacts associated with older aircraft."
Quotes attributable to PNG Minister for State Enterprises, William Duma:
"Papua New Guinea welcomes this partnership with Export Finance Australia and ADB to realise the PNG Government's replacement program for our flagship airline, Air Niugini.
"The aircraft will be built for Papua New Guinea, for our flying conditions, for our people, and for our future. By investing in these new aircraft, we are investing in our people's mobility, in trade and business, in tourism, and in travel for family reunions and education."
