Jetgo will shift its Melbourne-Dubbo service from Avalon to Essendon airport from early July following the installation of necessary security screening facilities at the close-in Melbourne airport.
The regional carrier had planned to fly from Dubbo to Melbourne Tullamarine starting in October 2015, but was unable to secure terminal space at the airport.
Efforts to operate into nearby Essendon Airport then hit a roadblock because of a lack of passenger screening facilities and regulatory requirements from the Office of Transport Security (OTS).
OTS regulations require passengers on regular public transport service (RPT) with Jetgo’s ERJ-135 regional jets go through security given they have a maximum take off weight of 20,000kg.
Eventually, the regional carrier launched its Melbourne service at Avalon Airport, which accommodated Jetgo’s three flights a week from Dubbo on a temporary basis.
However, Jetgo confirmed in a statement on Saturday it would move into Essendon from July 3 after the required security screening facilities were installed.
“Finally the wait is over and Jetgo would like to thank the patience of their customers who have supported the services for the last eight months,” Jetgo said.
“Essendon Airport has constructed a temporary terminal to accommodate Jetgo’s services while the heritage-listed Essendon Airport Terminal is undergoing a $20 million refurbishment.
“Once completed in early 2017, the refurbished Terminal will help Essendon Airport become Australia’s premier corporate Jet and regional services airport.”
Currently, Essendon Airport, which is a busy charter airport, has regular public transport (RPT) service from Free Spirit Airlines and Sharp Airlines, according to the airport’s website, serving regional centres such as Flinders Island and Merimbula. Alliance Airlines also operates charter flights from the airport.
Those services do not require passenger security screening.
Meanwhile, Jetgo’s inaugural Brisbane-Albury service took off on Monday.
Albury City Council also posted a video of the flight’s arrival on Youtube:
