It's pretty obvious tha PNG Air have a long term plan in terms of where they would like to be in 5 years and beyond.
Sources tell me that the progressive introduction of the ATR has proven to be a good business decision by the airline.
Obviously the industrial issues next door are currently having a positive impact on their business.
Whilst corporate charters probably kept them afloat in a time when they required more cashflow to keep the props turning, the bread and butter is still in the domestic RPT sector - and it always will be.
Seriously doubt that the merge idea will be thrown on the table again.