More details have emerged in the quest to see Melbourne flights reinstated at Griffith Airport.
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EastWest airlines announced last month they intended to put forward a proposal that would see flights from Griffith to Essendon.
An EastWest representative confirmed to the The Area News it is looking into operating a morning daily service on weekdays, with two potential flights on a Friday.
If the proposal is to go ahead, the hour-long flights would leave Griffith in the morning so travellers could experience a full day in Melbourne.
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The company says looking into plans to offer the service in conjunction with Sharp Airlines as operator. The proposed arrangement will go forward “subject to concluding satisfactory commercial arrangements”.
The managing director and chief pilot at Sharp Airlines, Malcolm Sharp, confirmed the negotiation between the two companies in April.
Sharp Airlines managing director and Chief Pilot Malcolm Sharp confirmed the two companies were in the negotiating stage.
“We are in very preliminary discussions with EastWest Airlines at the moment,” Mr Sharp said.
“Watch this space.”
EastWest also confirmed it was looking into utilising a 19 seat Metroliner 23 aircraft.
Flights between Melbourne and Griffith were offered by Rex Airlines before being axed in 2012. Tasmanian airline Par Avion attempted to rejuvinate the Griffith – Melbourne route before stopping flights in 2016.
Griffith travel agent Janine Keenan said the EastWest proposal could also mean big things for tourism businesses in Griffith.
“It would be an advantage for international travelers and people going to Melbourne for the weekend,” she said.
“It gives us another option for people option for people travelling overseas. It allows us that option for Melbourne flights.”
Griffith Business Chamber President Paul Pierotti said the chamber was firmly behind the motion. He called on individuals and businesses alike to support the proposal.
“As much as recreational, medical and tourism users will benefit from this, the business community needs to underpin the move,” he said.
“We need to put our money where our mouths are, put our hands in our pockets and make a firm commitment to see this is sustainable.”
He said business owners should encourage their colleagues in Melbourne to use the service too.