A BRISBANE air service has finally been restored to Tamworth, with the inaugural JetGo flight touching down in the city yesterday.
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It’s a welcome return of an important service for the people of Tamworth and district who should expect to be able to fly direct to Brisbane.
For a city of this size, and taking into account the area it services, there should be flights to our two nearest capital cities.
It will no doubt be a relief to the people who regularly used flights to Brisbane for business, and for those with family and friends in the northern capital.
JetGo hasn’t had the smoothest of lead-ups to yesterday’s launch, but it can only be hoped those issues have now been resolved and passengers can enjoy a reliable and secure service.
The flight schedule in the immediate future is not the most convenient, particularly for business travellers, but the company has promised to crank this up as time goes by and Brisbane Airport openings allow.
If this service can deliver what it’s promised then we all need to have a little patience in these initial stages and offer as much support as we can.
The council seems confident this is an answer for what’s been a troubled northern route, and we hope JetGo is here to stay.
Regional airlines have suffered many casualties in the past decade and Tamworth Regional Council is certainly not alone when it comes to attracting, and retaining, air services.
Of course, it’s a double-edged sword for regional councils, passengers and airlines. We’re told we need to support the airlines if they are to stay, but they, of course, have to cover their costs and so are forced to charge accordingly, putting airline travel out of the reach of many.
The reality, too, is that without competition there’s not a lot of incentive for airlines to charge less, and competition remains scarce when the airline industry is always negotiaing so much turbulence.
DAN Haslam was laid to rest yesterday with hundreds turning out to say their goodbyes.
There were many beautiful and moving things said about the man loved and respected by so many, who has led the charge in shining the national spotlight on a vitally-important issue.
His family and friends have vowed to continue his campaign, until those who can benefit from the use of medical cannabis can do so without breaking the law.
The Leader will continue to champion this cause and we look forward to the day Dan’s wish comes true.