Air Niugini's subsidiary - LINK PNG

[Square Bear]

In the above case, Link PNG (ANG) buying PNG Air would be like QANTAS buying Virgin and then both competing against each other in the same market...doesn't make much sense to me.

[Petropavlovsk]

https://postcourier.com.pg/airlines-in-png-facing-bankruptcy-says-maru/

Post Courier - 30th June 2020.

[Duck Pilot]

If international travel restrictions continue for an extended period of time, based on what is happening elsewhere around the world, no PNG airline is immune to bankruptcy in these challenging times. The PNG domestic market isn’t sustainable at the best of times, let alone in COVID-19 times.

One only needs to look at the airline casualties in neighbouring South Pacific countries including Australia to make a reasonable comparison of ANG and PNG Air’s long term viability.

Unless ANG and PNG Air are operating their aircraft on coconut oil and bui husks, I cannot see how any investor including the PNG government are going to be able to keep injecting cash into these airlines to keep them going in the interim.

[Kagamuga]

Sad times for PNG aviation.
ANG will survive, the alternative is too frightening to imagine. Australia will prop up the Airline system in PNG in the form of an Aid programme (I hope) for I fear the alternative is Chinese money and a fleet of E190-E2's

[Duck Pilot]

Australian government to assist??? I’ve heard that assumption before.....

Any long term reasonable foreign investment would probably be welcome for anything in PNG right now I’d imagine.

[WINJA]

Sad times for PNG aviation.
ANG will survive, the alternative is too frightening to imagine. Australia will prop up the Airline system in PNG in the form of an Aid programme (I hope) for I fear the alternative is Chinese money and a fleet of E190-E2's
Yes it is a tough time and no doubt ANG will be bleeding profusely on the international fleets. The Fokker, with its ability to carry both passengers and freight into many domestic PNG ports could easily become the "breadwinner" with the Dash 8 not far behind. Though it's freight carrying capacity is less. So far there hasn't been any culling of crews, but with the downturn in the international flying, its probably inevitable.

PNGAir are history, they were pretty well that before all this happened. So unless someone springs them a whole heap of cash, you won't see them around much longer.

[Square Bear]

PNGAir are history, they were pretty well that before all this happened. So unless someone springs them a whole heap of cash, you won't see them around much longer.


So PX is going to buy out the National Superannuation Funds (NASFUND) 40% share of PNG Air, but at what value.

NASFUND has reportedly invested some 76 Million Kina ($31 Million Aus )into the airline since it listed, but the last sale on "who knows when" was 12 Toea (5 cents) - somewhat down from the initial 1 Kina listing price. (What do they say about making a fortune in Aviation?)

For ANG's sake hope the arn't expected to pay the full 76 Mill.

[Kagamuga]

In regards to PNG Air, I think Duck Pilot has eluded before that he works for them, or is close to a reliable source. Be guided by Duck's comments as being a true picture...

[INTERESTED BYSTANDER]

ANG will be propped up by Australian Government's annual donation via foreign aid as in the past.

[krismiler]

Like most airlines in the world, ANG will find a big difference in their short haul narrowbody and long haul widebody fleets. The Fokker is a PMV with wings and versatile enough to justify being kept on for essential domestic and regional connectivity. The B737 has longer legs and the - 700 could probably replace the B767 on all its current routes. Widebodies are expensive to operate, and will be difficult to fill in the short to medium term. I wouldn't be surprised if the B767s end up being grounded as they will simply be losing money that the airline doesn't have. Once things settle down, any surplus Fokkers could be leased to Alliance for a couple of years until demand picks up again which would be a win/win for both operators.

[-41]

ANG will be propped up by Australian Government's annual donation via foreign aid as in the past.
Sir Kostas can have a chat with MP Michael McCormack, he is good for at least $54million to foreign owned entities.


https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/225x225/d879d299_0c0f_410e_8528_97556f8395fb_5667f3fd7c9a0067e36c69b a4c14a4fbd05c23bc.jpeg

[Mumbai Merlin]

Kostas got himself a very discounted APEC pre-loved surplus Bentley....

[chazwazza14]

The 767 is just a freighter that’s got a few seats. They never flew full. Every time I went to SIN on the 767 there was about 30pax total, even down to BNE there was usually under 100 pax. It makes money from freight, so they will stick around over the 737.

[krismiler]

Depending on how the figures turn out, they could be better off replacing the B767s with dedicated B737 freighters and running cargo only flights on certain routes in addition to pax B737 flights. This would give them a bit more flexibility as the B737 is easier to fill, frequency could be increased and destinations combined into a single run eg Hong Kong stops in Manila on the way back to Moresby. ANG is already a B737 operator and retraining B767 pilots wouldn't be a problem.

Obviously everything depends on future demand, if the B767 is full of freight on all its routes and can still make money with mostly empty seats in the cabin, they will probably be kept on.

[krismiler]

With the changed circumstances, the B737 would be a good fit as the Fokker hasn’t got the range for the longer routes and the B767 is too big. There will be plenty of attractive offers for leases available given the large number of 73s sitting on the ground. In 2-3 years time wide body flying may be profitable, possibly with the B787 instead.

[Square Bear]

Hearing that the 737 Expat pilots have been told to either take indefinite leave without pay, or pay in lieu of termination notice.

Sounds like Chazwazza14 is correct.

Got to pay for a 40% holding in the other company somehow so as the Superannuation fund can get some of its money back. That's the trouble when a Government owns an airline, they say what to do and the Management can only say yes sir.

[Duck Pilot]

Pax numbers on the 767 have been very low, when I bailed out of PNG in mid May I was the only pax on the flight to Brisbane. I doubt they had much freight underneath as it climbed like a home sick angel, pitty it didn’t keep going to drop me in heaven.....

Pretty weird flight, then to get met and greeted by police and troops to be escorted to a hotel for 14 days. A memorable experience, however very unpleasant!

[WINJA]

Little snippets coming out of PNG about PX reducing the expat numbers on the 737. Good luck guys.

[olderairhead]

Old news to some but this is an excerpt from a Memo issued on 24/4/20

AMENDMENT TO PILOT CONDITIONS

5) LEAVE WITHOUT PAY

Only after all annual leave, SDO's and long service leave for all pilots on the applicable fleet and rank have been exhausted will pilots be placed onto Leave Without Pay.

Air Niugini acknowledges the B737 fleet is the most underutilized fleet at present and hence the most likely to have this occur.

Air Niugini will endeavor to advise you by email at least 14 days prior to you being rostered onto LWOP should be have to get to this outcome

[lucille]

The 767 is just a freighter that’s got a few seats. They never flew full. Every time I went to SIN on the 767 there was about 30pax total, even down to BNE there was usually under 100 pax. It makes money from freight, so they will stick around over the 737.

Freight to SIN? Those Sings must sure love their buai.

[Duck Pilot]

Haus of cards....

[krismiler]

Probably freight from Singapore as it a major cargo hub. Seafood or fruit and vegetables would be in demand for flights into SIN.

Local pilots from the B767 fleet might replace expats on the B737 once flying picks up again. The current pandemic is a good excuse for a major restructuring and getting rid of the foreigners.

[chazwazza14]

Freight to SIN? Those Sings must sure love their buai.

I believe it’s more freight going the other way (In to PNG). But there is definitely palm sugar that heads out of POM.

[olderairhead]

Latest seniority list has just been released and interesting to see that there have been no new employees since 11 Feb 2019.

[olderairhead]

So the saga continues.

All back in court again.

The slip rule process is in progress. It is before the courts with the initial mention yesterday but as usual with PNG legal system deferred until August.

The legal wheels turn slowly.

[olderairhead]

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/230x499/a1_f1_m94644_05e6afd3a7336328357c8ab0a6a8174d66853441_1_5224 7266a831db7981ea569ce3d95d00743fe8b4_c4718d9bef68333ec404fd1 cbddda73aa75e77a3.jpg

Hahahahaha

[WINJA]

Let that sink in...

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/230x499/a1_f1_m94644_05e6afd3a7336328357c8ab0a6a8174d66853441_1_5224 7266a831db7981ea569ce3d95d00743fe8b4_c4718d9bef68333ec404fd1 cbddda73aa75e77a3.jpg

Hahahahaha

[olderairhead]

I'm hearing the cull has begun.
6 on LWOP called in and told their services are no longer required. (Both expat and nationals) They were allowed to appeal but their appeals failed.
The 6 year pilot contract expires this month and most expat employment contracts are up for renewal at the same time. A number have already resigned and hearing quite a few will not be renewed.

[E&H]

Unfortunately, it was always inevitable.


The trap of PX is the ease of which one is able to crash along with it.


The shag factor involved in leaving the asylum knowing that sim, line checks, medicals & getting laid in the real world are failable events, adds far too much hesitation.



PX is just a job, flying redundant boxes, to the same places (serval times a day), and for mediocre money. It offers very limited career progression and the pay is woeful. Their fleet is antiquated, Dash8 time is worthless, the Fokker is too light to be considered reasonable Jet experience and the Boeing fleet has enough local sausage to do the job. But wait! the real experts always said “PNG experience is the pinnacle of all aviation and that this experience alone is going to take you all over the world!” (Usually told to ones self & others repetitively to justify existence) In reality I bet your next HR recruiter will not even be able to point it out on a map! It’s only relevant for flying a 206, BN2 or Otter in PNG.


Now you’re trying for the same job at liquorland that every QF/QR/EK/EY/ANA Airbus & Boeing Captain and their dog is too, but it’s ok you have PNG experience....


PX have kicked you out like an aeroclub meri the morning after, and you realize you didn’t even get a tshirt!


And that’s the moment you realize you have f$&@d up.
Jeez TBL Warrior, that's a bit harsh :O I'm ex Pixie and I've been able to use my experience in ANG many times while I flushed the toilet... nah just kidding, I'm one who of those strange people who miss PNG. Miss the people and miss the flying. Never had so many laughs and so much fun flying in my life. Many good memories.

[Pinky the pilot]

I'm one who of those strange people who miss PNG. Miss the people and miss the flying. Never had so many laughs and so much fun flying in my life. Many good memories.

Likewise, and I never got out of G/A. Deeply regret the manner of my leaving the place (flat on my back being Medevacced) and the very short time I had there, but enjoyed everything else!

[Epicurus]

Unfortunately, it was always inevitable.


The trap of PX is the ease of which one is able to crash along with it.


The shag factor involved in leaving the asylum knowing that sim, line checks, medicals & getting laid in the real world are failable events, adds far too much hesitation.



PX is just a job, flying redundant boxes, to the same places (serval times a day), and for mediocre money. It offers very limited career progression and the pay is woeful. Their fleet is antiquated, Dash8 time is worthless, the Fokker is too light to be considered reasonable Jet experience and the Boeing fleet has enough local sausage to do the job. But wait! the real experts always said “PNG experience is the pinnacle of all aviation and that this experience alone is going to take you all over the world!” (Usually told to ones self & others repetitively to justify existence) In reality I bet your next HR recruiter will not even be able to point it out on a map! It’s only relevant for flying a 206, BN2 or Otter in PNG.


Now you’re trying for the same job at liquorland that every QF/QR/EK/EY/ANA Airbus & Boeing Captain and their dog is too, but it’s ok you have PNG experience....


PX have kicked you out like an aeroclub meri the morning after, and you realize you didn’t even get a tshirt!


And that’s the moment you realize you have f$&@d up.
Overall that’s pretty depressing lol. I guess before one realises it they are old, crippled and sucking pumpkin through a straw.

[ad-astra]

Likewise.
I miss the F28 - the best flying I have ever known, the camaraderie that I have never experienced since, the unequalled flying, the country of contrasts, and the wonderful people.
Air Niugini set my family up, paid for a home and the kids private school education, paid for holidays all over the world with the 'credits' that we received every year and provided a great lifestyle in Cairns.
That flying experience in 'redundant boxes' has led me directly to a 737 Brisbane based command ever since I left Air Niugini.
What do I value most?
The friendships that can be restarted after years apart, and the stories that are intrinsic to PNG. Oh, the stories.
Stories that make normal people wince but make PNG survivors just smile and laugh!

Did I f$&@d up?
I don't think so.
Would I do it all over again?
In a heartbeat.

[Propstop]

Five years in POM were some of the most memorable years of my career. We were a team who did their utmost to keep the aircraft flying and look forward to the ANG reunions.
I look around the room and see all the old farts, myself included, and say, We ran an airline once, it is a great feeling as I spent five years there and was sad when I went finish.

[ad-astra]

TBL, I understand everyone leaves PNG with different memories. That's life.
I hope you will eventually smile (and laugh) like the rest of us.
Yes my 13 years with ANG was a lot different to the next guy but we certainly had our fair share of frustrations and tribulations in our time as well. We did however make the very best of some difficult times.
SP helped! .....A lot. .......216 and 215 forever etched in my memory.
As a 60+ pilot now, I do however look very fondly at the ANG medical renewal process.
With the eye test at ANG Haus (bottom two lines were VLGYTPCE and DNBLUPTC, and the probing medical conducted by Jim Jacobi - "The trees the trees oh the beautiful trees" it was a refreshing change to the CASA medicals of Australia.
Take care.

[olderairhead]

Latest seniority list just published showing 15 less than at the start of February this year. More to come (go)