QantasLink Axing Narrabri?

[David B.]

Not exactly from the Horse's mouth (as in an official media release), interesting nevertheless:

ABC News

The Narrabri Shire Council will meet QantasLink and the New South Wales Government today to discuss the future of air services between Sydney and Narrabri.

QantasLink says it will not continue its service after March because of commercial reasons.

But Narrabri Mayor Robyn Faber has questioned the explanation, because there has been a steady increase in the number of passengers using the route.

She says other carriers, such as Aeropelican, have indicated that they are interested in taking over the service.

continues...

Anyone confirm that this is indeed true?

Thanks

[Hugh Jarse]

Interesting. I remember not so long ago when QL paid "special" attention to NBR - when REX was vying for the contract...

Good luck to yhe folks of NBR.

[David B.]

http://www.qantas.com.au/agents/dyn/...licy101208.pdf

Schedule Change – Reservations & Ticketing Information

Effective 30 March 2009, QantasLink will cease all operations between Sydney and Narrabri.

[David B.]

It appears Aeropelican will commence services to Narrabri with effect late March 2009. Services will be operated by Jetstream 32s.

OT5201 SYD/NAA 07:10L/08:30L (MON-FRI)
OT5203 SYD/NAA 08:00L/09:20L (SAT-SUN)
OT5207 SYD/NAA 16:00L/17:30L (SUN)
OT5209 SYD/NAA 17:15L/18:35L (MON-FRI)

OT5202 NAA/SYD 08:50L/10:10L (MON-FRI)
OT5204 NAA/SYD 09:40L/11:00L (SAT-SUN)
OT5208 NAA/SYD 17:40L/19:00L (SUN)
OT5210 NAA/SYD 19:00L/20:20L (MON-FRI)

Aeropelican also announced today the introduction of a new Sydney-Inverell-Sydney schedule, in the hope of improving dwindling passenger loads.

Regards