In February last year Mid-Western Regional Council unanimously voted to provide more than half a million dollars for the return of a regular air service to the region following the collapse of Brindabella more than 14 months earlier.  

FlyPelican chief executive officer Paul Graham said council’s combination of financial assistance and suspension of landing fees and charges has allowed the company to retain its $99 fares. 

“It gives us the capability of keeping fares at a low rate,” Mr Graham said. 

Some of council’s assistance will cease after 12 months and Mr Graham said increased patronage will assist in maintaining low fares. 

“We’ve still got a little way to go as we’re still off our projected load targets,” he said. 

“There is still some work to do.”

The 12 month average for passenger loads on the return Mudgee to Sydney service was 55 per cent, slightly below FlyPelican’s 65 per cent target.  

During the period the airline has not cancelled any flights. 

“Our on time performance is 97.3 per cent for delays within our control,” Mr Graham said.

“That is a really good showing.” 

In May the independent regional airline announced it would begin return flights between its base in Newcastle to Dubbo from July 18.

Last week the state government announced a $945,000 infrastructure upgrade for Mudgee Regional Airport aiming to boost visitor numbers to the region. 

The project includes a $200,000 extension of the airport taxiway, a $100,000 terminal refurbishment, $125,000 for the relocation of George Campbell Drive and $250,000 for water and sewer services.

The airport is among ten projects to receive upgrades under the $110 million Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund that aims to double overnight visitor stays and expenditure in regional NSW by 2021.

Tickets for FlyPelican can be purchased at www.flypelican.com.au