[lloyd fox]

Plans for air services take off

Adam Davies | 20th October 2011

The Toowoomba business community has applauded a proposal by Skytrans to operate regular passenger flights out of Toowoomba airport.

Proposed daily flights to Sydney, Roma and Gladstone are due to commence by January.

Senior Skytrans executives met with business leaders at City Hall on Tuesday, where the plans were unveiled.

Local business owner and Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce president Geoff McDonald said regular services were long overdue.

"This is very exciting news for not only the business community, but also for the people of Toowoomba," Mr McDonald said.

"Regular services have been long overdue and it will certainly open up a plethora of opportunities for the city," he added.

The Chamber, along with The Chronicle, launched a campaign two weeks ago requesting the community to register their support and interest in destinations prior to Tuesday's meeting.

"Skytrans were shocked at the level of community support and feedback that was received by the Chamber within such a short period.

"They were certainly surprised and now realise that there is overwhelming interest and a market here for services.

"I have to applaud The Chronicle for their support in this matter. It has been fantastic," Mr McDonald said.

Despite the services being largely targeted to business and industry personnel, Mr McDonald said that it was the first step to further connecting Toowoomba with the rest of the country.

"Skytrans have made it quite clear that they are not targeting the leisure market to begin with.

"Apart from the mining and resources sector, a huge amount of interest was shown from businesses such as the University of Southern Queensland.

"However, as the services become established that certainly will most likely change," Mr McDonald said.