Regional carrier Jetgo plans to offer nonstop flights between Albury and Brisbane from June 20.
The route will be served four times a week with 36-seat Embraer ERJ-135 jets, with Albury the airline’s third destination in regional NSW alongside Dubbo and Tamworth.
Jetgo managing director for airlines Paul Bredereck said Albury was a market with potential to grow, given its close location to the snow.
“We can save travellers two hours on flights to Brisbane because our jets are 50 to 60 per cent faster than the turboprop aircraft that currently service Albury and the direct services eliminate the time and inconvenience of changing aircraft in Sydney,” Bredereck said in a statement on Thursday.
“And by flying at up to 38,000ft our passengers experience a far more comfortable journey above the weather and summer turbulence.”
Bredereck expanded on Jetgo’s decision to fly to Albury in a Youtube video posted by the Albury City Council:
https://youtu.be/c11y1BVrHfY
Currently, QantasLink and Virgin Australia serve Albury from Sydney, while Regional Express offers flights from Melbourne and Sydney.
Albury City Council Mayor Henk van de Ven said the new Jetgo flight would boost the local economy.
“The time savings Jetgo can offer are especially great news for Border businesses trying to grow and expand because they will be better connected and save so much time,” van de Ven said.
Cr van de Ven said a $4.7 million expansion of Albury Airport, which included a second baggage carousel and new mezzanine level, was set to begin in 2017.
Meanwhile, Jetgo said on its Facebook page it planned to start nonstop flights between Canberra and the Gold Coast, with the official announcement to be made in the period ahead.
“Canberra to Gold Coast will be announced as a follow up,” Jetgo said.
