Port Macquarie: Airport employees reinstated after being stood down in April due to COVID
Staff have resumed work at Port Macquarie airport for the first time since the height of the COVID pandemic forced employer Air Flight Handling to stand them down. Their reinstatement, along with increases in capital city routes, are signs that regional aviation is making a welcome recovery.
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New life is being breathed back into the Mid-North Coast’s aviation sector with the announcement that Port Macquarie airport’s on-ground services – Air Flight Handling – has returned staff to work for the first time since they were suspended six months ago.
The team, who handle logistics such as cargo, freight and check-ins at the airport, have been on standby since Virgin Australia suspended Port Macquarie air services in April.
They will now work on behalf of Fly Pelican and be skilled-up in the company’s aircraft and systems in preparation for the new Port Macquarie to Canberra direct service which launches on Sunday November 1.
Aus Flight Handling Operations Manager Ryan Worthington said; “Aus Flight Handling is elated to welcome and be servicing Fly Pelican in Port Macquarie, meaning our staff can return to work after months of being on stand down.”
“We are pleased to increase our partnership with Fly Pelican at Port Macquarie Airport, and look forward to handling increased services and destinations.”
The launch of the new Fly Pelican service coincides with a boost to Qantas regional services.
The air carrier is doubling flights to Port Macquarie from next week, operating twice daily to Sydney, with its direct service to Brisbane due to commence in early December.
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Director Rebecca Olsen said it was great to once again see flights increase in and out of Port Macquarie Airport.
“Having regular services is so important for our community, business and tourism,” she said.
“it not only provides opportunities and options for travel, helps get people back to work.
“With the doubling of Qantas flights to Sydney, and Fly Pelican flights connecting us with our nation’s, capital, these are really positive signs for our community as we continue our recovery from the challenges that COVID has presented.”
News of the re-instalment of Aus Flight Handing staff and increased flights comes a month after The Mid-North Coast News broke the story of an approval for a $58 million expansion of the Port Macquarie Airport.
The expansion project, first floated in a 2010 Airport Masterplan, will help support the growth of the Port Macquarie Airport, which is the fifth largest regional airport in NSW (by passengers).
It is expected that passengers numbers will double from 230,000 in 2020, to approximately 450,000 passengers each year by 2030. The NSW Government North Coast Regional report confirms the airport can be a key driver of, and catalyst, for regional growth.
The 23ha expansion will attract hi-tech, value-adding industries while allowing for a second aeroplane taxiway and additional land set aside for general aviation use.
Fly Pelican’s new direct service to Canberra starts on 1 November and will operate on Sunday and Thursday.
Flights can be booked at flypelican.com.au.