Additional flights a welcomed boost

Additional Qantas flights between Armidale and Sydney each Friday have been welcomed by Council.

A new return service begins on 16 August, taking the total of return Friday services to five and adding to the airline’s existing 27 return flights per week between the two ports.

Armidale Regional Council Mayor Simon Murray said high-standard airline services were a big contributor to the prosperity of the region, offering enhanced connectivity for business and residents, and additional flights were a further boost.

 “Council is actively pursuing a number of partnerships and other ventures to grow this region and enable business to flourish. Many of these initiatives are underpinned by quality transport services and this month’s extension of Qantas services is a major step in the right direction,” Councillor Murray said.

“In our increasingly global society, quick and convenient transport links are essential to attract residents and commerce to the Armidale region, or to enable local business to expand.”

Council undertook a $10.5 million upgrade of Armidale Regional Airport in 2017, jointly funded by the Australian Government ($3.5 million), NSW Government ($6.55 million) and Council ($2,830,064), to boost Armidale’s status as a gateway to the Northern Tablelands.

The upgrade, improving the experience for travellers and enabling larger planes to land at the airport, has been followed by a rise in the number of passengers passing through the facility.

“That project was a massive commitment from Council and both the NSW and Federal Governments to our region and its future transport services,” Cr Murray said.

“It’s fantastic to see Qantas further demonstrating its commitment to the area.”

The additional flight will leave Sydney at 11am each Friday and begin its return journey from Armidale at 12.40pm.

Council and Qantas recently reached agreement on fees and charges for the national carrier’s continued use of the airport’s facilities.

Published on 30 Jul 2019