On November 1, 2023, the Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) welcomed the first guests at its newly constructed Terminal A. The new terminal can serve more than twice the current passenger capacity while accommodating 79 aircraft simultaneously. Moreover, it can handle 11,000 passengers every hour. Also, Terminal A can process up to 45 million travellers annually.

Until November 14, 2023, AUH will use terminals A, 1, 2 and 3 concurrently to serve 28 airlines. From the following day, November 15, 2023, all flights will land and depart from Terminal A. The airport confirms that 637 flights will be handled from the new terminal over the first seven days of operation.

The official opening ceremony of Terminal A is scheduled for February 9, 2024. That’s also the day the Abu Dhabi International Airport will be renamed Zayed International Airport.

In a push to modernise its fleet, Air Niugini has placed an order for six Airbus A220-100s. In addition, the national carrier of Papua New Guinea will acquire three A220-300s and two A220-100 jets from third-party lessors.

Air Niugini will operate the A220 fleet across its domestic and regional networks. Where the A220-100 is suitable for the 100-135-seat market, the largest A220-300 offers more space with a seating capacity between 120 and 150. Powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF engines, the jets can fly up to 3,450 nautical miles (6,390km) nonstop. Airbus confirms that, as with the rest of the portfolio, the A220 is compatible with up to 50 per cent Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The manufacturer aims to make all its aircraft capable of operating with 100 per cent SAF by the end of the decade.

Apart from ordering the jets, Air Niugini has also chosen Airbus for flight planning support. Provided by Airbus’ subsidiary NAVBLUE, the N-Flight Planning will help the carrier optimise fuel, cost and time to meet operational needs.