"Bums on seats" on the new Griffith to Melbourne route have enabled the addition of more weekly flights, indicating a strong sustainability for the services' future.
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EastWest Airlines and operating partner Sharp Airlines have introduced two additional weekly flights from Melbourne to Griffith, commencing from Sunday 22 September 2019.
Mohan Korber, EastWest Airlines business analyst said the demand for the flights has been consistently steady, enabling them to further supply the demand.
"Our Thursday and Friday flights are now sold out more often than not," Mr Korber said.
He said 800 passengers had taken the less-than-an-hour flight in the first two months of operation, and says the strong vocal support from the Griffith and Riverina communities has been put into real numbers.
"With a new route, it's always uncertain how it will be received because people will say 'yes we need it' but then that may not translate into people actually using the service.
"But the numbers have been steady - it's clear people are starting to get into a routine and incorporate the flights into that, everyone from business people with day trips to those looking to get away for a weekend."
Griffith Airport coordinator Bob Campbell said the new service was proving to be an exciting asset, and said the new flights are set to both contribute to and supply demand.
With a new route, it's always uncertain how it will be received because people will say 'yes we need it' but then that may not translate into people actually using the service.
- EastWest Airlines' Mohan Korber
"It's really interesting, because these flights can connect people to places like King Island, or wherever they want to go," Mr Campbell said.
Griffith Mayor Cr John Dal Broi said it was fantastic to see the number of flights expanding just two months after commencing services.
"The service has been truly embraced by the community and it is heartening to see passenger numbers so high for both incoming and outgoing flights," he said.
In increasing the number of flights, Sharp Airlines Managing Director Mr Malcolm Sharp said the new services also now provided for travelers wishing to undertake day return services between the two cities.
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Mr Sharp thanked the Griffith community and businesses, and said they in turn "are demonstrating Sharp Airlines' ongoing commitment by increasing capacity by a total of 76 seats per week."
The new flights are on Thursdays and Fridays, with Griffith departures at 5.05pm on Thursdays and 11.20am on Fridays.
New flights from Essendon depart at 3.45pm on Thursdays and 10am on Fridays.
Departure times for the existing Sunday and Friday services have also been adjusted following customer feedback.
For full schedule visit www.sharpairlines.com.au or www.eastwestairlines.com.au.
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