The trial Dubbo-Ballina flight route has been extended and additional flights have been added to the schedule.
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With the original trial period set to expire on November 20, it has now been announced the flights between the two cities will continue until January 31, 2021.
Fly Pelican Chief Executive Officer Marty Hawley says he's pleased to be working alongside the two councils to continue offering the service, and says the route has been popular enough to launch an extra service.
"Starting on 20 October, Fly Pelican will begin operating a Tuesday service, leaving Dubbo at 8:40am and returning from Ballina at 12:30pm. These flights are now available for sale on the Fly Pelican website," said Mr Hawley.
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"I want to thank Dubbo Regional Council and Ballina Shire Council and their associated airports for their support of the route thus far," he said.
Dubbo Regional Council mayor Ben Shields said it was exciting the trial had paid off.
"It's so exciting to see that after our three organisations went out on a limb to try to increase domestic tourism within NSW, it has paid off. We're certainly keen to continue working with Fly Pelican and Ballina Shire Council to operate these flights," Cr Shields said.
Ballina Shire Council mayor David Wright said the flights were great for holiday-makers and business people.
"With the weather getting warmer, now is the perfect time to visit. We urge visitors to get in quick though, as the Northern Rivers region is bound to be popular this summer, as more of NSW decides to holiday at home this year," Cr Wright said.
Flights between Dubbo and Ballina first took off on Friday, August 28, with the price of $149 one way to remain in place during the extension period.
Since the launch at the end of August the flights have been over 75 per cent occupied in both directions, with more than 64 per cent of fights already sold, when averaged over the 12 week trial period.
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