NT Government in discussions to renew ‘milk run’ flight route with regional airlines

THE Northern Territory Government is looking to renew it’s ‘milk run’ flight service from Darwin to Alice Springs, with their current deal with Air North coming to an end

Alliance Airlines are one of a number of companies in discussions with the NTG about the reneweal of their ‘milk run’ Darwin to Alice springs flight contract. Picture: Emma Murray

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THE Northern Territory Government is looking to renew it’s “milk run” flight service from Darwin to Alice Springs, with their current deal with Air North coming to an end.

A Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics spokesman said the flights were an important service for the government which ran frequently from Darwin to Alice Springs, stopping at a number of locations in between.

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“These flights provide an important air connection between Darwin, Katherine, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs, and generally operate three times a week, supporting business and private travel,” he said.

“Since October 2015 approximately 34,000 people have used the service, and the current agreement is in effect until the end of September 2019.”

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However the department was unable to speak specifically about the deal given it had not yet been finalised.

“The Government is currently assessing proposals for the ongoing provision of these services, and this process is commercial in confidence,” the spokesman said.

“As such, it would be inappropriate for us to make comment.”

Rex and Alliance Airlines confirmed to the NT News they had both been in discussions with the NT Government about the contract but couldn’t provide any further details.

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In June, Alliance airlines announced their intentions to “significantly” upgrade expand their fleet in the NT, increasing their number of aircraft from one to four by December this year.