FLIGHT WEST AIRLINES TO REINTRODUCE DAILY BRISBANE – GLADSTONE FLIGHTS

Flight West Airlines, the Queensland-based carrier placed in member’s voluntary liquidation in June, will recommence services between Brisbane and the Queensland coastal city of Gladstone from Wednesday, 14 November.

The airline, currently under the control of liquidator Mr Ian Hall of PricewaterhouseCoopers in Brisbane, will reintroduce two daily Brisbane-Gladstone return flights, operated with 30-seat Embraer Brasilia aircraft. Schedules are now being finalised. Bookings may be made from Wednesday 7 November onwards by calling Gladstone Traveland on 4972 2288 or Ansett on 13 1300.

The Federal Minister for Transport, Mr Anderson, announced during a visit to Gladstone today that the Federal Government would provide financial support to enable the resumption of the Flight West services to the city.

Flight West liquidator Mr Ian Hall, who joined the Minister for the announcement, said the Government had agreed to underwrite Flight West’s operating costs on the route in return for a proportion of revenue from the flights.

“We welcome the support shown by the Federal Government, which will restore competition to the economically-important Brisbane-Gladstone air route,” said Mr Hall.

“Gladstone is the gateway to a major industrial region and to the renowned tourist drawcard of Heron Island,” he said.

“This initiative by the Government is excellent news for business and for travellers to and from Gladstone, and of course for Flight West, a true Queensland company, which until recent events had operated continuously in this State for 14 years.”

“The reinstatement of services to Gladstone is a major step forward for all concerned which adds to the existing flights servicing Pasminco and WMC mines in North West Queensland.”