Albury's Oberon Aviation and Helifly report strong interest in scenic flights across region

Albury-based Oberon Aviation has had services impacted by COVID, but believes it has found a way to work within the restrictions and offer something different to the community.

Pilot Sam Hobbs said the business wanted to diversify beyond its survey and flight training work.

"We've got a Cessna Grand Caravan which is a 14-seat aircraft which should be out doing outback trips at the moment, but with border closures in place we're thinking on our feet," he said.

"Last weekend we did a scenic flight over the Snowy Mountains to Jindabyne for lunch and had 11 passengers on board.

"We've been brainstorming other things we can do like scenic flights around Falls Creek and Mount Buffalo and finishing off at Brown Brothers at Milawa.

"There's been talks of golf trips along the river.

"At the moment the idea is to keep things in the Border Bubble so local people can abide by the rules.

"We can adapt and adjust trips to what people want to do because of COVID."

Mr Hobbs was optimistic restrictions would start to ease in the next three months and is confident there will be a demand for travel.

"Everyone has been locked up in their local area for the best part of two years, so hopefully they're looking to get out and about and maybe we can offer something that hasn't been on offer in Albury previously," he said.

"We're hoping coming into October, November and December that things might start opening up so we can work Christmas parties for people."

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Mr Hobbs revealed Oberon Aviation's sister company Outback by Air will recommence tours as soon as state borders open up.

There's also been a demand for scenic helicopter flights on the Border.

Helifly pilot Marianne Evans said the business has several outstanding vouchers purchased as Christmas gifts.

"We have a lot of flights already paid for and usually we get a few others interested in booking in," Ms Evans said.

"We'll be always doing something when there's good weather any time of the year."

Helifly provides a flight down to Mount Bogong and Falls Creek, but most of its scenic flights are over nearby farms or around Lake Hume.

Albury mayor Kevin Mack said it was great to see businesses adapt and present solutions to help the city's visitor economy.

"We have fantastic natural attractions on our doorstep and it's exciting to see ventures showcasing those attractions at a time when we're looking to rebuild our tourism sector after the impacts of COVID-19," he said.

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