Cargo division yield high

PNG Air says its cargo division was the airline’s top performer this year.
Chief executive Paul Abbot attributed this to a record breaking result in both tonnage of goods uplifted and revenue generated.
“At the end of November, PNG Air had uplifted 3,483,850 kilograms of cargo, 12 per cent more than the equivalent period in 2018, and generating a 20 per cent revenue increase,” he said.

Abbot further noted that the charter results were also pleasing with ongoing support for Newcrest Mining, renewal of the St Barbara Mining contract and a steady stream of ad hoc charters, all of which would give the airline an improved result over 2018.
Abbot said scheduled passenger service results, however, were heavily impacted by the downturn in the economy and general lack of consumer confidence.
Every sector of the retail market had faced tough going over the past year in PNG, and the airline was no exception to that, he said.
Abbot said as of the end of last month, PNG Air had carried over 438,000 RPT (revenue passenger kilometres) passengers and 80,000 charter passengers; adding in the expected December figures, the airline would have carried well in excess of 550,000 people this year.
“2019 provided some real challenges for the airline but it was also a year showing that with the right approach in tough times, the airline could improve and do well,” he said.
“Despite the general economic situation, the airline still outperformed its budget and anticipated posting a small operating profit for this year, the first since 2011.
“We’re looking forward to the challenges of 2020.
“While the market is forecast to stay at 2019 levels, we are confident that the changes made to the airline will help us get through this uncertain period.