THE possibility of flights to Melbourne from the Narrandera-Leeton Airport is on the radar.
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Leeton Shire Council was invited by the Griffith Business Chamber to recent discussions with the managing director of East-West Airlines, which is bringing the Melbourne flight option to the Griffith airport.
At this meeting, the potential for a Griffith-Melbourne flight service to also be linked to the Narrandera/Leeton Airport was raised.
The next step now is to discuss the matter in more detail with Narrandera Shire Council, which is the lead organisation in the shared airport arrangement.
“We also need to collectively gather evidence of genuine passenger interest,” Leeton council’s general manager Jackie Kruger said.
“It’s early days yet, but if everything stacks up it seems a Melbourne flight service with stops at Narrandera/Leeton Airport could indeed be a possibility.
“This is a very exciting prospect.”
Residents have also been discussing the potential for the flight service, with many throwing both their interest and support behind the concept.
One of those is Christopher Senti.
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“There are people in our communities who cannot drive and the bus/train takes a whole night or a good day to get to Melbourne,” Mr Senti said.
“The costs and time associated to the above, add up.
“(This) leaves you less time in beautiful Melbourne.”
The concept isn’t a new one, but one Mrs Kruger believes would have many benefits.
“Anecdotally we hear a service is very desirable – provided that reasonable ticket prices are offered and a suitable flight schedule is maintained,” she said.
“If a service does get off the ground it will be important the community supports it.”
“Leeton is a highly productive area with staff from several industries and businesses requiring regular travel to and from Melbourne.
“There are also many business representatives living in Melbourne and surrounds needing to travel to the Western Riverina for work.”
The community is encouraged to visit East-West Airline’s Facebook page to express their interest in a Melbourne flight service that is connected to Narrandera-Leeton Airport.
Alternatively written interest can sent to council’s economic development co-ordinator, Monica Armanini via email at monicaa@leeton.nsw.gov.au.
Feedback will then be collated and forwarded to the management of East-West Airlines in collaboration with Narrandera Shire Council.