Heavylift in the Pacific
 

Following article from AIR TRANSPORT WORLD:

HeavyLift to enter crowded Pacific island cargo market
Dateline: Friday September 05, 2003

Competition in the Pacific island market intensified after the International Air Services Commission gave approval to HeavyLift Cargo Services, which is owned by Transpacific Pty Ltd., to begin operating international freight services into and out of Brisbane with a mix of Belfasts and 727s.

HeavyLift this month will take up operations providing for the carriage of up to 60 tonnes of cargo per week to Papua New Guinea, followed by the Solomon Islands (50 tonnes per week) in Oct. and Vanuatu (25 tonnes per week) in Nov. It will compete with national carriers Air Niugini, Solomon Airlines and Air Vanuatu on the routes.
HeavyLift also has expressed interest in extending its network to Nauru and New Caledonia when the rights become available. Another Australian startup, Transpac, obtained rights to those points but has not yet utilized them.

IASC in its determination of HeavyLift's application raised concerns that forecasts of likely volumes on the Pacific routes appeared "optimistic," particularly in relation to Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. However, it was satisfied that the airline has the financial backing, resources, skills and experience necessary to implement its proposals.

"While the Commission does have some concerns about the ongoing viability of HeavyLift's services, it is not necessary for the Commission to be certain that a carrier will maintain services over the long term," IASC said. It has given the carrier until March 2004 to use capacity fully on all three routes.--Ian Thomas

Thought y'all would be interested!
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