Flight delays explained

AROUND 65 per cent of Air Niugini’s flight disruptions are technical in nature – where the aircraft has an issue, says acting chief executive officer Gary Seddon.
But Seddon said flights were also disrupted due to, falling visibility and weather.
Seddon said fuel supply had also been threatened on several occasions.
He said runway infrastructure at several airports was not to the standard that met Air Niugini’s current and future investment programme, and the lack of landing lights was reducing operating hours.
He said there was also a growing problem with wildlife at airports.
“Flight cancellations recently were exacerbated by bird strikes on aircraft.
“All of these issues are being addressed through a collaborative approach by relevant agencies, but the progress is slow,” Seddon said.
“The runway at Mt Hagen was being repaired for the second time this year.
“According to Air Niugini, this meant that it was unable to operate a conventional jet service to the city – which represented one of the busiest sectors in PNG.
“We are forced to operate aircraft that can take 50 passengers, as opposed to 115,” he said.
“We must fly three aircraft instead of one. This means more flying time, more pilot hours.
“It is very costly and very inefficient.
“We will inevitably suffer a disruption and my staff are verbally abused as a result.
“This is not acceptable.”
He said Air Niugini was operating “under very trying circumstances”.
Air Niugini recently recommenced operations into Wapenamanda, Enga, and increased the number of jet services into Goroka, Eastern Highlands.
It executed more than 70 domestic and international flights every day.
Presently, 47 per cent of those flights were on time and about 12 per cent were cancelled. Air Niugini is expecting additional aircraft and the return to service of those undergoing heavy maintenance work.
“In the lead up to the peak busy period, Air Niugini expects to have three wide body aircraft meeting international schedule requirements.
“Two larger narrow body aircraft performing domestic and international duties and a combination of 14 regional jets and turboprops delivering domestic missions.
“I hope that we can rely on the runways opening to full operations (and staying open) in November and that we see landing lights and other essential facilities.”