Fly Corporate is expanding its regular public transport operations (RPT) with new service from Brisbane to Armidale, Narrabri and Moree set to launch in August and September.
Canberra-based charter operator Corporate Air, which has been in operation since 1972, moved into the RPT market in April, establishing Fly Corporate and launching Brisbane-Coffs Harbour as its inaugural route.
Fly Corporate has a fleet of four Saab 340Bs and two 19-seat Metro 23 turboprops for its RPT services.
The company said in a statement in early July it had received Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) approval to add Narrabri and Moree to its airline Air Operators Certificate.
Although no firm dates have been set, Fly Corporate chief executive Andrew Major said the new flights from Brisbane to Narrabri and Moree were likely to start either in late August or early September with Metro 23 aircraft.
Major said the service would support businesses in the regions, as well as make it easier for people to travel to Brisbane for medical treatments.
“Currently the only options for travelling between Brisbane, Narrabri and Moree is a gruelling six-hour drive – making our approximately 75-minute flight time a highly desirable option that has long been on the radar” Major said.
“The route will greatly enhance opportunities for business between Narrabri, Moree and Brisbane. It will also help attract medical specialists to the region from the Brisbane area, enhance tourism opportunities and support families with children at school or university in Queensland.
“You can never underestimate the catchment area that these new flights will appeal to – from towns like Wee Waa, Boggabri and Inverell to as far as Walgett and Lightning Ridge, this flight will make travel to and from Brisbane so much more accessible.”
The airline is also starting nonstop Brisbane-Armidale flights from August 1.