According to Paul Graham, FlyPelican CEO, support for the direct-to-Sydney service out of Taree Airport, which commenced on January 29, has already been positive.

FlyPelican currently provides two departure times from Taree to Sydney and two return flights each weekday, as well as flights on Sunday. The service will be expanded from March 26, when the contractual agreement with former provider, Rex Airlines, officially comes to an end.

“Passenger numbers have been pleasing, and well ahead of what we anticipated,” Mr Graham said.

“The changeover has been seamless and we look forward to expanding our introductory service, to our planned schedule of an average of three flights to and from Sydney each weekday from March 26.”

The new service offers a 60-minute flight time into Sydney on a 19-seat aircraft.

“So far we’ve been able to meet, or exceed, passenger numbers on most flights, which is a positive indication that our service is meeting the needs of the local community”, Paul added.

Starting at just $119 one way, flights have been scheduled to cater for business travellers wanting to make the most of their trip to Sydney.

“With the expanded service starting later this month, we’ve been able to change the departure from Taree to 6.10am to better suit the local market, arriving in Sydney at 7.10am. Return flights Monday to Thursday will depart Sydney at 5.10pm getting travellers back home in time for dinner,” he said.

“Resuming a direct service to Sydney is a real win for our community – it’s something they’ve told us was needed since the service was cut back in October 2016,” Daniel Aldridge, MidCoast Council’s manager community spaces, recreation and trades, said.

An information session will be held for local businesses on Wednesday, March 14, providing a ‘meet and greet’ opportunity with FlyPelican’s Paul Graham.

Commencing at 5.30pm at Taree airport, business travellers are invited to come along to find out more about the service and discuss how FlyPelican can meet the on-going needs of the local business community. RSVPs are required for catering purposes, by emailinginfo@tareebusinesschamber.com.au before close of business on Monday, March 12.

FlyPelican is a regional airline and aircraft charter company based in Newcastle, operating a fleet of 19 seat British Aerospace Jetstream 32 aircraft.