Airnorth Media Statement

Since expanding air services into Gove in August this year following the withdrawal of the QantasLink Boeing 717 operation to Darwin and Cairns, Airnorth remains confident of sustaining long term Jet air services into Nhulunbuy supporting the surrounding communities serviced by Gove Airport.

Over the past three months, Airnorth E170 Jet services on this route have performed close to original expectations; however the next challenge for our airline is to address the extent of the expected market decline early in the New Year.

After consulting many organisations and to ensure the ongoing sustainability of this route, we have decided to reduce the number of weekly E170 Jet services on this route by one return service (matching the 10-20% market decline expected). It is clear that Saturday’s flights to date have been the lowest patronised and as such we will be ceasing the Saturday services from 31st January, 2015.

Airnorth will continue to operate weekly Saturday turbo prop services between Gove and Darwin, and in the event the market demand increases, the Saturday E170 Jet service will be reinstated. Airnorth will also continue to operate E170 Jet services from Gove to both Darwin and Cairns on all other days of the week.

Our aim is to be proactive with this market to ensure that local residents and business travellers have access to a high quality of regional air services enabling them to manage their future travel plans accordingly.

Further media queries are to be directed in writing to tammy.baczynski@airnorth.com.au.

Michael Bridge
Chief Executive Officer Airnorth