Austrian Post saw a decline in mail volumes but an increase in parcels and logistics leading to what it referred to as ‘stable’ revenues in 2016. The Mail and branch saw a fall by 1.6% but parcels and logistics saw 3.9% growth.

In a statement issued yesterday (9 March), Georg Pölzl, CEO of Austrian Post, said: “In spite of a challenging market environment and increased competition, we once again succeeded in positively developing the company. The resolute continuation of our strategy and the commitment of our employees played an important role in this.”

Looking forward, Pölzl added: “In 2017 we are aiming for an even more customised response to fulfil individual customer preferences for delivery on the basis of an improved service offering. We are continuously investing in innovative customer solutions and service upgrades. The launch of a completely new product, the ‘Packet’, enables us to specifically respond to customer needs on the fast-growing e-commerce market, and create a sleek and quick solution for small online orders.”

Austrian Post is seeing a similar situation to that of many of its fellow operators around the world. While they monopolise the declining mail market they have to fight in an open market for parcels. Competition is driving margins down but they can frequently compete very well in this sector owing to their large and often comprehensive national delivery networks that can reach places that aren’t always profitable for their rivals. However, in general, profits are falling for postal operators as they readjust to the brave new world… 
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