Air Niugini is almost ready to sign an order for two new Bombardier Q400 aircraft.

If the contract is signed it is expected that the two aircraft will be delivered separately, one in summer 2010 and one later that year. The Q400 is renowned for its ability to land and take off from short runways, which form the basis of the Air Niugini domestic network and it also has the range to fly the important international services from Port Moresby to both Cairns and Brisbane.