Cobham Aviation Services says it has been awarded two new contracts for one existing and one new fly-in/fly-out (FIFO) client.
The new contract is with Karara Mining, providing eight flights a week in support Karara’s iron ore operations 105nm south-east of Geraldton in mid-west Western Australia. The short 30 minute flight from Perth features a reduced cabin service, reducing the weight and therefore lowering costs, Cobham says.
“The Karara contract in particular is significant for us, especially in the current market environment, demonstrating our ability to offer innovative proposals,” Cobham Aviation Services president Peter Nottage said in a December 16 statement.
Separately, Cobham says it is adding an extra flight to Gold Fields’ Granny Smith mine site near Laverton, 390nm north-east of Perth.
Nottage said the new contract awards show that there are new opportunities in the FIFO market, despite the downturn in flying with the end of the mining boom.
“We continue to look for ways to reduce costs, improve travel times and provide more comfortable aircraft for our customers,” he said.
Bert
says:Just a shame that Karara will most likely be closing….
Davecat
says:Yes agree, future not looking good at all for Karara. I hope Cobham have not committed additional capital or human resources for this contract as it will likely become a stranded asset. I wish Cobham well as the industry needs the resource sector to remain a viable source of revenue.