Virgin Australia will cease operating the Brisbane to Port Macquarie from July 16.
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In an announcement on Thursday morning, a spokesperson said the decision was in line with the airline reducing its turboprop ATR fleet.
The spokesperson said Alliance Airlines will commence operations on the route.
“Virgin Australia today announced some changes to its regional Queensland operations,” the spokesperson said.
“As stated in June 2016, the airline is reducing its turboprop ATR fleet as part of an initiative to optimise its fleet and network.
“The ATR operating fleet will be reduced from two fleet types to six ATR 72-600 aircraft from mid-2017, when Virgin Australia will cease ATR operations from Brisbane.
“As a result, Virgin Australia will no longer operate (some) routes after July 16, 2017 although Alliance Airlines has decided to commence operations on these routes with Virgin Australia to codeshare.”
As a result, Virgin Australia will no longer operate the following routes after July 16
- Virgin Australia
Along with the Brisbane to Port Macquarie route, Virgin Australia will be replaced by Alliance Airlines on Brisbane flights to Bundaberg, Gladstone and Moranbah.
Tickets for flights on these routes will be available for sale through Virgin Australia. Velocity frequent flyer members will continue to earn velocity points and status credits, and eligible members will enjoy status benefits.
Any guests who have booked travel on these routes from July 17, 2017 onwards will be reaccommodated on the Alliance Airlines services.
Virgin Australia’s remaining ATR aircraft will primarily be utilised in NSW, ACT and Victoria, and this consolidation supports our fleet and network optimisation strategy.
Since 2016, Alliance Airlines has been operating all flights on the Brisbane – Emerald route and some other regional Queensland flights for Virgin Australia under wet lease arrangements.
Alliance will operate flights from Brisbane to Cloncurry, Emerald, Mt Isa and Rockhampton on behalf of Virgin Australia from mid-year for 12 months to support our network requirements.
Who are Alliance Airlines?
According to their website, Alliance Airlines is the leading FIFO (fly in, fly out) air charter in Australia.
“Our reputation was driven by exceptional reliability and operational performance standards which led to larger projects,” the airline says.
“Today Alliance has grown into the largest national air charter operator for the resources industry in Australia.”
Alliance Airlines was founded in 2002 with just three aircraft. Today Alliance boasts a fleet of 28 Fokker aircraft, employs over 400 staff and provides regular and adhoc charter services in Australia and New Zealand.
The Port News contacted Alliance Airlines for comment.
