BRINDABELLA Airlines’ future in Orange looks uncertain, with representatives from the carrier unable to say when the Orange/Sydney service will resume after all flights are “temporarily” suspended from Monday.
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The airline announced the suspension in a statement yesterday afternoon, saying the service would be reviewed when the “reliability and integrity” of scheduled flights was restored.
The suspension comes less than a week since the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) grounded four of the airline’s planes after the airline admitted routine engine inspections were overdue.
So far, only two of the planes have been given the OK to return to the skies.
The airline’s chief commercial officer James Blake would not provide any further information except to say the two aircraft would be ready to fly again at the end of next week.
“Brindabella was pleased with the inroads made in winning customers on the Sydney to Orange route, and would like to thank those customers for their patronage,” the airline said in a statement.
Passengers with existing bookings for Brindabella’s Sydney and Orange services will be contacted and offered full refunds without cancellation penalties.
On Thursday, Mr Blake told Tamworth newspaper the Northern Daily Leader the airline would make short-term adjustments to flight schedules on the Moree and Narrabri routes while maintenance on the two grounded aircraft was continuing.
Mr Blake said the local councils would be kept informed.
But it appears Orange City Council was kept in the dark over the suspension of the Orange service until late yesterday afternoon when the airline’s management told the council via email.
“We didn’t get much warning and we’re surprised by the result,” general manager Garry Styles said.
“Orange City Council is disappointed by the decision to suspend flights and the inconvenience incurred for travellers.”
Mr Styles said the council hoped Brindabella would be able to resolve questions surrounding the service’s reliability as soon as possible.
Moree Plains Shire Council general manager David Aber told the Northern Daily Leader Brindabella was behind on its bills with Moree council.
An Orange City Council spokesman was unable to say if Brindabella owed Orange council money for using the airport and Mr Blake did not respond in time for publication.
Do you know more? Contact Clare Colley on 6391 2900 or email clare.colley@fairfaxmedia.com.au
