Wagga residents could be flying directly to Brisbane for just $199 in November if everything goes according to plan.
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JetGo managing director Paul Bredereck said he was absolutely “blown away” by community support after he announced plans for the route on Tuesday.
The initial plan is to fly from Brisbane to Wagga and back again on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, but the frequency could increase if demand builds.
Typical prices are expected to be similar to those on the Albury to Brisbane route, from about $200 to $549 depending on seat availability.
The 100-minute flight time would drastically cut the travel time to Brisbane, which can be an all-day journey via Sydney airport.
Mr Bredereck said the customer mix was expected to be similar to the Dubbo to Brisbane service, with a huge uptake in people visiting friends and relatives.
“Families separated by geography may only travel a few times a year at the moment,” he said.
“With a direct service, you could see kids visiting their grandparents more often, because eliminating Sydney means they can travel point to point as an unaccompanied minor.”
Planning for the route began after the Albury service started and while Mr Bredereck expected a good response, he never thought Wagga would respond as strongly as it has.
“Relationship with the community is of overwhelming importance,” he said.
“We do it for more than just the money, it adds value to the community as well.”
Wagga Business Chamber president Andrew Bell said anything to help business move or communicate better was welcomed.
“Any initiative like this will certainly be of benefit to the business community,” he said.
Chamber general manager Michelle Bray said it would bring many benefits.
“This will bring further employment and spending within the city,” Ms Bray said. “A lot of businesses here could do with an increased ability to access Brisbane.”