Boeing and Air Niugini announced yesterday at the Singapore Airshow a firm order for four Boeing 737 MAX 8 airplanes.

"Papua New Guinea is like no other place on earth and the 737 MAX will allow us to economically and efficiently connect our beautiful country with the rest of the world.

The superb economics of the 737 MAX will enable us to increase flight frequencies and develop into new markets which offer significant opportunities for Air Niugini," said Sir Frederick Reiher, KCMG, KBE, Chairman of Air Niugini."

The previously unidentified order adds to the national carrier's current fleet of Next-Generation 737s and 767-300ERs airplanes.

The 737 MAX incorporates the latest technology CFM International LEAP-1B engines, Advanced Technology winglets and other improvements to deliver the highest efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort in the single-aisle market.