Following the success of a trial between Dubbo Regional Council (DRC), Ballina Shire Council, and Fly Pelican, the popular Dubbo-Ballina flight route will be extended until 31 January 2021, with additional flights also added to the schedule. The original trial period was due to expire on Friday 20 November 2020.
Since the launch at the end of August, flights have been well over 75% occupied in both directions. Averaged out over the full 12 week trial period, more than 64% of flights have already been sold.
“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,” said Mayor of the Dubbo Region, Councillor Ben Shields.
Flights between the Dubbo City Regional Airport (DCRA) and Ballina Byron Gateway Airport first took off on Friday 28 August 2020, and passengers have been able to secure a seat for as little as $149 one way. This price will remain in place.
“Making this route affordable also means that not only will more visitors come, but they’ll be able to stay in the region longer because they didn’t spend hundreds of dollars on a fare,” said Councillor Shields.
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.
“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.
Mayor of Ballina Shire Council, David Wright, says the flights will be great for holiday-makers and business people alike.
“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,” said Mayor Wright.
The additional flights are already on sale via Fly Pelican’s website at flypelican.com.au.
Source: DRC