The boss of Essendon Fields Airport says there is a viable long-term future for a Dubbo-Melbourne route, regardless of the outcome of legal action by Dubbo Regional Council against JetGo.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Chris Cowan has been an interested spectator since it emerged last week that the council had sought a wind-up order against the regional airline over a disputed unpaid debt of more than $270,000.
Subsequently, it has been reported that the carrier has a cash shortage issue that it is looking to resolve.
As the other airport involved in the Dubbo to Melbourne service, Essendon isn’t directly involved in the proceedings but there are implications should the NSW Supreme Court find in favour of Dubbo Regional Council.
“We’re monitoring the situation closely and certainly hope it can be sorted, and that a regular and reliable service remains between Melbourne and Dubbo,” Mr Cowan said.
“We are confident the route is viable and profitable, with very good numbers and if it run more regularly it would probably be even better.
“There’s about 200 people per week that utilise the service and we can see that doubling in the next two years.
“Dubbo is an important service to us, and JetGo were pioneers in regional aviation with establishing some of these routes but I think it’s important for customers to know that it is a viable route that will be serviced in some way, shape or form.”
Mr Cowan said he has had regular contact with Dubbo Regional Council, but conceded he had become aware of the situation involving JetGo through media reports.
He added Essendon Fields has no dispute with JetGo, but did indicate the organisation had worked very closely with them.
“It’s not right for me to speculate on what exactly is happening between Dubbo Regional Council and JetGo because we’re not involved in the legal proceedings,” he said.
“But like I said we’ll be keeping a close eye on the proceedings because Dubbo is a route we see as a growing and important link for us
“I think we would all like to see the route continue as-is.
“Obviously it’s in the hands of the courts unless a resolution can be reached prior, but the best case scenario is obviously that there a regular, reliable service available to provide people the option to travel efficiently between Dubbo and Essendon airports, and from our perspective it’s more than viable.”