QantasLink confirms suspension of services from Newcastle Airport

Source: Newcastle Airport

QantasLink has confirmed that it will suspend all its Newcastle-Sydney, Newcastle-Melbourne and Newcastle-Brisbane services from Newcastle Airport effective 10 March 2008. The suspension is expected to remain until at least July 2008.

The suspension is due to a higher than normal pilot attrition rate and the training of pilots on the new Dash 8 Q400 aircraft.

QantasLink has stated they have a number of measures in place to restore pilot numbers over the next few months, including a comprehensive training program, where the first graduates are expected to start flying for QantasLink by the end of June.

Newcastle Airport CEO, Paul Hughes, said that the suspension of QantasLink services was a short-term inconvenience for the travelling public.

“The suspension of QantasLink services at Newcastle Airport is short-term. Passengers are still serviced on the Newcastle-Melbourne route by Jetstar, Virgin Blue and Tiger Airways; the Newcastle-Brisbane route by Jetstar and Virgin Blue. Aeropelican runs a comprehensive service between Newcastle and Sydney and will add additional services to this route,” said Paul.

“I am confident that when QantasLink flights are reinstated at Newcastle Airport, the travelling public will benefit from improved QantasLink capacity when the new aircraft come online.”

QantasLink has confirmed that passengers affected by the suspension of services will be reaccommodated to either Jetstar or Aeropelican or offered a full refund.