Flights to PNG running half-empty

[Mattg]

I came across these stats and thought it was interesting. QF flights from Cairns to Port Moresby are typically operating less than half full. I guess it's hardly a surprise considering that Qantas charge $250-300+ for a seat on the 1hr, 45min flight, but still.

The last 3 months of average load factor stats for Qantas:

March:
CNS-POM - 46.9%
POM-CNS - 45%

February:
CNS-POM - 42.2%
POM-CNS - 44.5%

January:
CNS-POM - 58.3%
POM-CNS - 43.6%

By comparison, the average loads on other QF international routes were typically 80-90%.

Interestingly, Air Nuigini's flights aren't looking much better. Average loads were just below the 50% mark as well, though they have a larger number of flights to Australia including to Cairns, Brisbane and Sydney.

Virgin also flies to PNG, and though loads were slightly higher overall, they are still regularly below 50% as well.

 

[samh004]

I guess they can still make money with cargo... but I hope they don't cut the route as I've been wanting to add it to my flight map for a while

 

[brett-au]

I'm not sure it's possible, but assuming they didn't sell the ticket locally, perhaps Cairns - PM - Girua - PM - Cairns might increase patronage and target those who want to hike kokada.

I have never been to PNG, but the idea of having to get out of POM as quickly as possible, makes it a less appealing destination. If the same aircraft continued to somewhere local that I may want to go, then that would save a lot of hassle.

 

[Reggie78]

Went through POM about 3 weeks ago from CNS. QF flight over was about 60%. QF flight back - 14 passengers on a Q400.... Almost luxurious, but a little creepy...

 

[lc_461]

I would presume the POM flights are mostly business/corporate/government travel compared to other routes, so I guess that could be why the fares are artificially inflated.

 

[Mattg]

I would presume the POM flights are mostly business/corporate/government travel compared to other routes, so I guess that could be why the fares are artificially inflated.

I suspect you're right, but it really makes you wonder if the strategy of charging high fares is working if the planes are only half-full. Who knows, perhaps it does work for them.

 

[Reggie78]

I suspect you're right, but it really makes you wonder if the strategy of charging high fares is working if the planes are only half-full. Who knows, perhaps it does work for them.

If you're going there for a reason, you'll pay what needs to be paid. I think that's the way the airlines look at it. POM isn't the only place where they charge like a wounded bull.... If you're the only airline flying there, and you MUST get there, then you pay the price (within reason)...

 

[DrA]

I've recently done a couple of trips CNS-POM on PX, and I'd say they'd be pushing it to say they've got a 20% passenger load. Maybe it's better on other days, as I flew mid-week, but the Dash 8 was pretty empty.

 

[Mattg]

If you're going there for a reason, you'll pay what needs to be paid. I think that's the way the airlines look at it. POM isn't the only place where they charge like a wounded bull.... If you're the only airline flying there, and you MUST get there, then you pay the price (within reason)...

Quite right, but Qantas is not the only airline flying CNS-POM. Air Nuigini flies it too, with similar frequency to Qantas, and charge considerably less too. A search for random dates in August shows Qantas charging $532 for a CNS-POM roundtrip (and that's a "sale" fare!), while Air Nuigini is only charging $347.

Interestingly, booking POM-CNS-POM originating in Port Moresby is only $478 on QF, while on Air Nuigini this is slightly more expensive at $381.

On another note, there seems to be tons of QF award availability on that route. And only 8,000 points one-way.

 

[Reggie78]

Yes, PX has the cheaper flights, but after having flown both, I would still choose QF any day of the week, even for the extra money.

As for the loads, I can only hazard a guess that it isn't one of the world's greatest leisure destinations... Although some of the provinces further north are actually quite nice.

 

[opusman]

From what I've heard once you get out of POM the people are friendly and the place is quite interesting, but I'd imagine having to apply for a visa in advance would discourage what few Australian tourists they might otherwise get.

 

[smit0847]

On another note, there seems to be tons of QF award availability on that route. And only 8,000 points one-way.

Im not surprised- theyd be crazy not to with half full planes!

 

[Denali]

I wonder what the load is during our winter - because the only time ive gone to PNG (Air Nuigini??) is for scuba diving/escape our winter and the flights looked full.

 

[Mattg]

I wonder what the load is during our winter - because the only time ive gone to PNG (Air Nuigini??) is for scuba diving/escape our winter and the flights looked full.

Average loads on both QF and PX were in the 50-60% range last winter - so slightly better.