First flight takes off for Melbourne

9 October 2017

The move to introduce regular flights from Orange to Melbourne is off to a successful start with bookings strong ahead of today’s first flights.

The first flight by regional airline operator Fly Corporate flew out of Orange this morning, arriving at Essendon airport at 11.35 am to be greeted by the traditional water cannon welcome.

Orange now has daily connections with three state capitals. Regional Express operates a number of flights each day to Sydney. Fly Corporate has return flights to both Brisbane and Melbourne.

Fly Corporate CEO Andrew Major said using Melbourne’s Essendon airport will be very convenient for travellers.

“Essendon Airport stood out for us with its close proximity to the Melbourne CBD as well other advantages such as extremely economical car parking rates and no airport congestion.” Andrew Major said.

“We are delighted to be opening up travel options from Orange to Melbourne and offering a new service for Melburnians holidaying, visiting or doing business in regional NSW.”

FIRST FLIGHTS : Fly Corporate Sales Manager Geoff Woodham and Orange Deputy Mayor Cr Jo McRae welcome the start of the new commercial service today.

Orange Mayor Reg Kidd said he was excited by the start of flight on the new route to Melbourne.

“Regular passengers at the Orange airport have been asking for flights to Melbourne for a long time, and I’m delighted that Fly Corporate is now meeting that demand.,” Cr Reg Kidd said. “It’s another sign of the strength of the Orange economy that early bookings are also so strong.”

“I congratulate Fly Corporate for taking on this challenge and I’m delighted for them that the early signs of success are already there.”

“The take-up of daily air connections to another state capital are a good indication of how many businesses in Orange are already operating as part of national markets.”

Essendon airport CEO Chris Cowan has welcomed the new flights.

“Fly Corporate is the fifth regional airline to choose Essendon as is Melbourne base mostly through word of mouth which is very encouraging,” Chris Cowan said.

The Melbourne flight leaves Orange weekdays at 9.50 am arriving at Essendon at 11.35 am. The return service leaves Essendon at 12.20pm arriving in Orange at 1.55pm.