Fly Pelican operates a small fleet of Jetstream 32 turboprop aircraft. Photo: Fly Pelican.
New direct flights between Canberra and Avalon didn’t get off to the best start over the weekend, with the inaugural flight having to make an emergency landing due to “technical issues”.
Regional carrier Fly Pelican will operate three direct flights a week between the two regions on Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays, with fares starting from $250 one-way.
But the first, taking off from Canberra on Sunday (26 October), arrived at Avalon at 2:30 pm – half an hour late – after the crew reported technical issues and had to dodge clouds and heavy rain en route.
The eight passengers and two crew members arrived safely, but the British Aerospace Jetstream 32 aircraft was grounded from returning to Canberra that afternoon while engineers checked it.
“It landed safely, and all passengers and crew were unharmed,” Fly Pelican CEO Marty Hawley said in a statement.
“Engineers are inspecting the aircraft, and it is expected to depart [Monday, 27 October] once routine checks and repairs are complete.
“A Pelican Airlines representative is in direct contact with the passengers to accommodate their travel requirements.”
Fly Pelican is an Australian-owned, regional carrier based in Newcastle and servicing Narrabri and Cobar, as well as Canberra, Sydney and the Gold Coast.
Fly Pelican provides the first direct link between Canberra and Avalon. Photo: Avalon Airport.
The company operates a fleet of British Aerospace Jetstream 32 aircraft at regional airports, seating 19 passengers.
Locally, the Avalon flights build on an existing service between Canberra and Newcastle.
Before the dramatic debut, Mr Hawley said the route was an exciting new step for the regional company.
“We’re proud to provide the very first direct link between Canberra and Avalon – two dynamic regions with strong business and tourism appeal,” he said.
“We’ve listened to our customers and are confident this route will be popular with both leisure and corporate travellers.”
Canberra Airport head of aviation Michael Thomson said the new route opens new opportunities for Canberrans to visit the Bellarine Peninsula or Geelong, while also “welcoming Victorians to explore all that Canberra has to offer”.
Mr Thomson added it was part of the airport’s long-term vision to grow domestic travel opportunities and better serve the national capital.
Located about 50 minutes from Melbourne’s CBD and just 20 minutes from Geelong, Avalon Airport offers easy access to the wineries and beaches of the Bellarine Peninsula. It serves as the gateway to one of Australia’s most scenic drives – the Great Ocean Road.
Avalon is also home to the Australian International Airshow, which draws thousands of visitors every year.
With the new route underway, Fly Pelican becomes the only carrier offering direct access between the capital and Victoria’s western coast – with bigger carriers like Virgin and Qantas favouring Melbourne’s larger Tullamarine Airport.
