After much hype about introducing flights between Newcastle and Adelaide, Newcastle Airport has been left to look for a new airline to fly the route.
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Nine months after the first flight between Williamtown and Adelaide Airport, airline FlyPelican has told Newcastle Airport management it will no longer offer flights on the route from next April.
The Adelaide route has been a good addition to flight options from Newcastle Airport and we believe that it continues to hold significant appeal to other carriers.
- Dr Peter Cock, Newcastle Airport CEO.
In a statement, Newcastle Airport thanked FlyPelican for its efforts. Airport CEO Dr Peter Cock said it was disappointing the venture was not viable for airline. But he said Newcastle Airport was in discussions with other carriers.
“Strong passenger numbers and a clear increase in demand from the Hunter’s community for better air travel options provide a sound business case for other carriers to consider this route,” Dr Cock said.
Related reading: First flight from Newcastle to Adelaide this week
“Our team is currently working with a number of carriers that can meet the longer term needs of passengers choosing to fly into and out of the Hunter to a variety of potential destinations.”
The announcement came a week after the airport announced it broke its record for most passengers using the facility in one day on November 23 - the first day of the Newcastle 500 Supercars event.
According to Newcastle Airport data, passenger numbers were up 2.5 per cent in November from the previous year.
“The Adelaide route has been a good addition to flight options from Newcastle Airport and we believe that it continues to hold significant appeal to other carriers,” Dr Cock said.
Related reading: Direct flights from Newcastle to Adelaide from March
FlyPelican will contact passengers who have booked flights for after April 26.
Airline CEO Paul Graham said the company was committed to Newcastle and the Hunter. The carrier will continue to fly other routes from Newcastle Airport.
“As a regional carrier, we have always been prepared to make brave decisions and play a leadership role in our community,” he said. “The direct service between Newcastle and Adelaide was a perfect example and enabled us to provide a valued service to many thousands of people.”
