Albury jetsetters can now cut out a lengthy Sydney stop-over with direct flights to Brisbane.
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Jetgo will provide 95-minute direct flights between the two airports from June 20.
Managing director Paul Bredereck said the service would initially run four days a week with the strong possibility of expansion.
“It will be Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. The flight will depart from Brisbane at 12.25pm, arriving in Albury about 2.10pm, and departing here at 2.40pm, getting back in Brisbane about 4.25pm,” he said.
“As the loads build, we’ll take that to daily flights.”
Mr Bredereck said the cost of flights each way would average $250.
“The first 12 to 15 seats get sold about $179 and the next category might be $250 until the full fare of $500, as it is on Qantas,” he said.
The family-owned business flies direct from Brisbane to Tamworth and Dubbo.
Mr Bredereck told The Border Mail he hoped to announce two extra domestic destinations from Albury within “the next couple of months”.
“We’re seriously planning two additional destinations but we’ve still got to resolve some issues with the airports at the other end,” he said.
Albury mayor Henk van de Ven said he expected Brisbane flights to increase Albury’s passenger numbers of about 250,000 flyers annually.
He suggested Gold Coast as an ideal location to fly to.
“Adelaide might be another connection but that’s a decision for them,” he said.
Three 36-seater Embraer ERJ-135LR 50 jets will service the Brisbane route.
Mr Bredereck said Jetgo aimed to access “niches” not serviced by the major airlines.
“When we commenced direct flights to Tamworth, the very first person that booked it was a medical practitioner,” he said.
“It will improve things like access to medical treatment and improve access to family, friends and relatives.”
Snow holiday wholesaler 1stJET managing director Craig Mathews said the direct flights would aim to attract lost Queensland holidaymakers to the snowfields.
“It's very messy to get from south-east Queensland to Falls Creek and Mount Hotham. Falls Creek used to be the most popular resort for Queenslanders, but that’s fallen away in the past five years,” he said.
Mr Bredereck said the jet cut off more than two hours off the trip due to 850km/h speeds.
Passengers can book flights for the new route immediately.