BUDGET airline Tiger may soon be flying out of Port Macquarie – if Port Macquarie-Hastings Council and locals have their way.
Late last year the long-awaited $21 million extensions to the airport to enable it to handle larger B737 or A320 planes were finished, but the improved and cheaper flights it was hoped would follow are still very much up in the air.
Virgin Australia and Qantas Link have yet to increase or alter services and appear to have no immediate plans to do so.
Asked about their plans by the Independent, a spokesperson for Virgin Australia acknowledged the new development at Port Macquarie was a great step in preparing the airport for future growth.
But he then added: “The airline currently operates up to 21 return flights per week between Port Macquarie and the hubs of Sydney and Brisbane. This represents an increase of 14 return flights since Virgin Australia started flying to Port Macquarie in February 2008. Virgin Australia continues to review its current network. However, we have no announcements to make at this stage.”
Qantas Link was even more concise: “At this stage our current schedule remains the same. However, we are always monitoring our network for new route opportunities.”
A council spokesperson confirmed discussions with other airlines were being held, but could supply no other details, apart from saying that it was his understanding that “no additional airlines have been locked in – yet”.
He said the official opening had been delayed until April to tie in with the opening of the Kooloonbung Creek footbridge and Town Beach foreshore works.
The first 737 to use the extended runway will be a charter flight to Melbourne in April that has been organised by a travel agent. The luxury five-star weekend package will cost between $2000 and $4000 a head.
Port Macquarie man Bob Withers is among the many locals who would love to see Tiger operate out of Port Macquarie to put downwards price pressure on the big two operators, as they did when they started flights from Coffs Harbour recently.
“The cost of flying between Port Macquarie and Melbourne for ourselves and of course our family and friends, is becoming prohibitive,” Mr Withers said.
“A recent price to fly my grand-daughter back to Melbourne was quoted at around $600. Yes of course there are deals, but not when you need them!
“One could have an overseas holiday for the costs involved from Port Macquarie.”
Mr Withers has arranged a meeting with mayor Peter Besseling next Monday to voice his concerns.
