Aviation company continues normal operations

By CLARISSA MOI
HEVILIFT Ltd says it is continuing to operate during the lockdown to support the Government, Defence Force and the mining, oil and gas industry.
General manager in Port Moresby Angus Earl told The National that they had consolidated what (resources) were available to keep the company operating.
“We continue to a minor extent and support the country,” he said.
“Most importantly, getting the PPEs (personal protective equipment) around the country together with clients like ExxonMobil, Porgera Joint Venture, Harmony and the defence force.
“That has been our focus over the last month especially.”
Earl said the lockdown had not affected the company’s 350 employees. “We are continuing in full force,” he said.
“We haven’t made any pay cuts. “We’re looking at cash reserves in terms of our headquarters so that we can get through these difficult times.
“We are not looking at laying off people, we are not looking at reducing salaries or the overall headcount.
“Although business has reduced, we will carry on and see what the future brings. Operation is still normal for the most part, although we have to incorporate the social distancing which reduces passengers or payload on the aircraft.”
Hevilift Ltd is a provider of helicopter and airplane aviation solutions and is 50 per cent owned by the Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC).