Regional airline Fly Corporate yesterday announced it would provide services to Brisbane from Narrabri and Moree after clearing port inspections and civil aviation requirements.

The addition of the Moree service means locals will have access to two major Australian capital cities with QantasLink already operating a service to Sydney.

The Brisbane route is good news for the Narrabri community, which is still waiting on news about when Northwest Airlines will begin services to Sydney due to difficulties gaining time slots at Kingsford Smith Airport.

Fly Corporate chief executive officer Andrew Major said the airline had fruitful discussions with Narrabri Shire Council, with similar meetings to be held with Moree council staff on Thursday.

However, Moree mayor Katrina Humphries said the air service was not yet set in stone and the council had a few issues that needed to be resolved with the airline first.

“The only option for travelling between Brisbane, Narrabri and Moree is a gruelling six-hour drive – making our approximately 75-minute flight time a highly desirable option that has long been on the radar” Mr Major said.

“The route will greatly enhance opportunities for business between Narrabri, Moree and Brisbane. It will also help attract medical specialists to the region from the Brisbane area, enhance tourism opportunities and support families with children at school or university in Queensland. 

The airline said it would run an early morning service, Monday to Friday.

The latest news follows the announcement of Fly Corporate services from Armidale to Brisbane earlier in the year.