It's wheels up as Sharp Airlines is preparing to commence direct flights between Griffith and Melbourne from this Monday 15 July 2019.
Sharp Airlines has partnered with Australian regional airline investment and marketing specialist EastWest Aviation in developing the Melbourne to Griffith service and will operate 12 weekly services between Griffith and Melbourne (Essendon Fields Airport) providing over 11,000 seats a year.
Griffith City Council Mayor, John Dal Broi said he is pleased to see the commencement of the direct flights between Griffith and Melbourne.
"Monday marks an important and significant milestone for our community – the Sharp Airlines flights will provide benefit both residents and visitors to the region," said Councillor Dal Broi.
"The success and longevity of this service is dependent on patronage and I encourage businesses and the community to support it."
The Managing Director of Sharp Airlines, Mr Malcolm Sharp said he is buoyed by the forward bookings and looks forward to Sharp Airlines servicing the Griffith region for many years ahead.
Sharp Airlines is a Melbourne-based independent regional airline that operates a fleet of 19 seat Fairchild Metroliner 23 turboprop aircraft. Regular scheduled passenger services currently connect Melbourne with King Island, Flinders Island, and Launceston and Burnie with King Island, and Flinders Island.
Colin Fort, GM Aviation, Essendon Fields Airport said the timing of this new service to Griffith couldn't be better, due to the completion of a multi-million dollar refurbishment of the terminal and the customer experience flying into Melbourne is now better than ever.
"As the closest airport to Melbourne with a tram, shuttle buses, hire cars and parking right on the doorstep, Essendon Fields Airport's main focus is providing convenient and easy access in and out of Melbourne for our regional passengers," said Mr Fort.
"Sharp have proven themselves to be a safe, reliable airline partner and we're confident the service to this important regional market will flourish."
In addition to Griffith to Melbourne services, over coming months Sharp plans to offer through flights from Griffith to King and Flinders Islands in Tasmania opening up a range of coastal leisure, golfing and adventure opportunities for Riverina residents.
Sharp Airlines operates 15 aircraft servicing 5 States in the Airline and FIFO market and carries over 100,000 passengers and 1.5 million kilograms of freight per annum. With Bases in Adelaide, Melbourne (Essendon Fields Airport), Sydney (Bankstown) Launceston and Hobart our network continues to expand.
