Passengers are being promised improved on-time performance, a faster online booking system and the prospect of new promotional fares, following the announcement Aeropelican will merge with Brindabella Airlines.
The change follows the appointment of Paul Schutz as chief executive officer (CEO) of the airline.
Mr Schutz has over 25 years’ industry experience, working at airlines such as Aer Lingus, Ryanair, British Airways and Virgin.
From June 22, Aeropelican will be known as Brindabella Airlines.
“This allows us to have a much more streamlined organisation, we will have a faster website, featuring hotel and car hire booking functionality and a greater number of promotional fares which we may introduce from time to time,” said chief commercial officer James Blake.
Sydney to Narrabri, Newcastle and Mudgee services will commence operating under the Brindabella Airlines brand from Saturday June 22.
Mr Blake said Paul Schutz would concentrate on a range of issues in his capacity as CEO.
“He is concentrating on fleet modernisation and our planned expansion in operations, and a commitment to improve on time performance, particuarly where it is within our control,” Mr Blake said.
Customers with existing Aeropelican tickets will be notified of the change to Brindabella.
“Passengers already holding tickets will receive a communication from us that their flight number will change from Aeropelican designator OT to Brindebella Airlines FQ,” Mr Blake said.
“In addition from June 24 customers will be able to benefit from making reservations on our faster new look website which will offer our full schedule of 267 flights per week connecting 12 cities and towns in New South Wales and Queensland.
“During the cutover weekend we will station a number of additional staff at terminals operating flights that will transition to Brindabella Airlines services, and our Canberra based call centre will be available to communicate with customers about the transition via email, SMS, social media and telephone.”
Mr Blake acknowledged the support the airline continues to receive from locals.
“It’s really important that we acknowledge the patronage of customers from within the Narrabri community who have loyally supported Aeropelican, the support shown by communities such as Narrabri Shire allows us to grow our business and further improve our product offering in the regional airline business.”