Link PNG and PNG Air have both reapplied to the Independent Consumer & Competition Commission for Link PNG to acquire a minority shareholding in PNG Air.
Both believe ICCC approval will benefit Papua New Guinean Nationals and travelers.
Link PNG Chairman Sir Kostas Constantinou and PNG Air Chairman Augustine Mano in a joint statement noted that the proposed joint venture between Link PNG and MRDC is based on PNG Air remaining as an independent airline, setting its own airfares and selling its own tickets totally separately from Air Niugini.
“It’s is critical that PNG continues to have two independent airlines, PNG Air and Air Niugini, and there continue to be a strong competitive domestic market.”
“Covid-19 has gone on much longer than anyone in the world has expected and this continued to have a negative effect on both airlines, and hence whilst its important we continue to operate independently at the commercial level, also that the airlines leverage off this opportunity to deliver cost reductions”
“World aviation has been badly damaged by Covid-19, including in our region where the Fijian Government has had to issue loan guarantees for K 788 million to support Fiji Airways, whilst elsewhere Governments have had to pay billions of Kina to keep their airlines alive. We believe this move if approved, will ensure PNG’s airline industry is profitable, sustainable, and competitive without having to rely on Government support. Both airlines are ultimately owned by the people of PNG, either the taxpayer, contributors to superannuation or as a landowner so it is critical both airlines are viable”
The Chairmen noted that the proposal is based on Link PNG only having a minority share position, and all the commercial functions remaining separate and independent including;
(i) the sales of all of PNG Air’s air tickets, including all pricing and yield management of these air fares, including all staff associated with these functions;
(ii) The marketing of PNG Air, including existing sales offices and a separate website
(iii) PNG Air retaining an independent Board and Management
(iv) Ensuring that all cabin crew, sales staff and check-in staff are in PNG Air uniforms
(v) Ensuing that all of PNG Air’s aircraft remain in PNG Air livery.
The key synergy benefits would come from back office functions that can be more efficiently managed across the two airlines and more efficient use of the fleet.
“We believe there is a compelling case for creating a stronger independent PNG Air, across a wider network, as well as ensuring job security. We will also ensure the savings created will be passed back onto our customers, through more affordable airfares; with the lower prices resulting from economies of scale and through the considerable cost efficiencies that are available”
Sir Kostas and Mr. Mano said the proposal would be of huge benefit for airline passengers, as well as ensuring job security across both airlines and the continuation of the PNG Air brand in our skies.
“With the savings, we will generate, we will be able to pass this back onto our customers through more affordable airfares.”
Both Link PNG and PNG Air will require all regulatory and shareholder approvals, including from ICCC before the joint venture is finalized.
