DIRECT flights from Tamworth to Brisbane appear set to resume in time for next year's country music festival.
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Brisbane-based carrier Jetgo revealed today that subject to regulatory approval it is aiming to start the service on January 19.
Jetgo has also expressed interest in filling the vacant Narrabri-Sydney service and representatives met with Narrabri Shire Council this morning.
Tamworth has been without direct flights to the Queensland capital since December last year following the collapse of Brindabella Airlines.
Jetgo, which counts former Tamair owner Paul Bredereck as its manager of airlines, plans to operate twice-daily flights Monday to Friday.
The service will operate through Brisbane Airport's domestic terminal, with one-way tickets starting from $199 for advance purchases.
Jetgo will fly a 36-seat Brazilian-manufactured Embraer 135 jet that will make the trip between Tamworth and Brisbane in about an hour.
Mr Bredereck said the company had been in negotiations for several months with Tamworth Regional Council.
He said the announcement marked a "considerable milestone for the airline and the people of Tamworth".
"Tamworth has been without the faster and more comfortable jet airline services since Eastwest Airlines ceased operations in 1993, despite having one of the best jet-capable airports in regional Australia," he said.
"The schedule has been designed around available slots at Brisbane and with input from the Tamworth business community. The service allows same-day return travel from both Tamworth and Brisbane."