Fly Corporate to double Tamworth-Brisbane flights with bigger aircraft

To meet the growing demand, the airline will run 18 return flights to the Queensland capital, while also upgrading the aircraft flying the majority of the route, from a 19-seat Metro 23 to a 34-seat Saab 340B Plus.

“Since commencing services on the Brisbane-Tamworth route in October 2016, we have been very pleased with the steady growth in passenger numbers,” Fly Corporate CEO Andrew Major said.

“In response to the increased demand we have developed this new schedule with an increased number of flights each week and larger capacity aircraft.

“Our focus in developing the new schedule has been to provide more day return services from both Brisbane and Tamworth.”

Tamworth Business Chamber president Jye Segboer said the additional services and extra capacity would allow the region to continue fostering its business ties with the Queensland capital.

“The Brisbane market is growing immensely in our region, particularly in the events sector,” Mr Segboer said.

“For large industries in Brisbane to see the benefit of setting up shop in Tamworth, they need to be able get a flight on a frequent basis, and these aircraft numbers allow that.

“For example, Teys’ main headquarters is in Brisbane, so they have a lot of staff travelling between the two cities. Instead of going via Sydney, they’ve got a more direct route, which gives them a more cost effective and more efficient workforce.”

Tamworth mayor Col Murray said the increase in services was another endorsement for the city and its airport.

“Obviously air travel is an extremely competitive business, so it’s certainly a good look,” Cr Murray said.

Last week, The Leader revealed the region’s two major airports, Tamworth and Armidale, had almost 50 cancelled flights to or from Sydney in the last quarter of 2017.

QantasLink, who operates at both airports, made up the bulk of local cancellations with 36.

However, the airline says scheduling changes it made in November have made cancellations drop dramatically, with the number of cancelled flights almost halving from November (3 per cent) to December (1.6 per cent).