The Courier can exclusively reveal that Vincent Aviation is set to take over the Narrabri to Sydney air route.
The company has been in discussions with Narrabri Shire Council and Member for Barwon Kevin Humphries, after Brindabella Airlines collapsed last year, which opened up the route for another airline to take over.
Subject to the required regulatory process and approval, Vincent Aviation says it plans to provide a daily commercial passenger service between Narrabri and Sydney.
“All the staff at Vincent Aviation are excited about extending our network to provide a new passenger service to the people of Narrabri Shire,” said Vincent Aviation CEO Murray Collings.
“We have a long stable history providing regional services in Australia and New Zealand and pride ourselves on delivering a professional, efficient service, ensuring that our passengers travel safely in comfort, arriving refreshed and on time.”
The airline intends to fly a Saab 340 aircraft, which seats 34 passengers and has a flight attendant.
The aircraft provides a full inflight service and toilet amenity, Vincent Aviation said.
“The Saab 340 aircraft cruises at 500km/hr, it is pressurised so able to fly above the weather and provides a highly reliable service,” the airline said in a statement.
Final pricing on tickets is yet to be determined, but Vincent Aviation said fares would be similar to those which were charged by Brindabella Airlines.
Narrabri Shire mayor, Conrad Bolton, welcomed the news.
“It has been great working with such a professional and enthusiastic airline to provide a new service between Narrabri and Sydney,” Cr Bolton said.
“Vincent Aviation have a proud history servicing regional areas successfully and the council has been working to replace the previous airline service as quickly as possible.”
The airline is a private company which provides services to both public passengers as well as charter flights for mining, corporate and government.
It currently operates regular scheduled passenger services throughout the Northern Territory, including Darwin and Cairns.
The airline’s fleet means flights can be provided for between 19 and 84 passengers, depending on the aircraft used.
The company employs 80 staff, with the head office based in Australia.
Barwon MP Kevin Humphries said the airline would provide a more reliable service to the community.
“The NSW Government has been closely involved and looks forward to the re-establishment of a vastly improved service between Narrabri and Sydney,” Mr Humphries sid.
“Transport NSW is ready to issue the required licence once a favourable outcome by CASA is determined.”