Rotorua Airport is flying high these days as it posts a positive performance.

In its latest quarterly report, Rotorua Airport Limited indicates a rise if not into the outer atmosphere, then certainly a comfortable exit over the district's caldera.

At tomorrow's meeting of the Rotorua Lakes Council's operation and monitoring committee, the airport will convey positive performances.

'Positive performance across all passenger sectors continues in terms of load factors and passenger movements,” the report says.

'As at March 31, 2019, passenger movements through Rotorua Airport for the previous 12 months were 261,516 – an increase of some 20,000 passengers over the preceding 12-month period.”

Highlights include:

■ Year to date net Surplus before tax $258,195 v budget $173,271. Difference, $84,924.

■ Passenger movements 202,589 v budget 190,534. Difference, 19,053

■ Aircraft movements 5852 v budget 4849. Difference, 1003.

■ Total assets were $64,598,580 with current liabilities $1,241,802 and term loan of $15,000,000, giving a net equity of $48,356,778.

In continuing to review and update its sector development strategy to growth services and capacity, the report says growth of its South Island linkages remain a priority.

The last quarter also saw growth in the general aviation and helicopter operations.

The report updates works at the airport, which have been recently signalled.

While injecting millions into upgrading facilities at the airport, the report soberly adds Air New Zealand, which years ago gouged millions in guarantees from the Rotorua ratepayer, has decided not to invest in 'the establishment of a business lounge”.

On this basis RAL is 'completing feasibility with a view towards establishing a quiet working space independent of Air NZ if commercially feasible,” the report says.