Cessation of Warrnambool/Portland Airline Services

Media Release - 20th May 2019

Cessation of Warrnambool/Portland Airline Service

Today, Sharp Airlines Directors have made the difficult decision to cease operating the Essendon - Warrnambool - Portland Airline Services effective from the close of business on Sunday 30th June 2019.

Sharp Airlines has been associated with Air Services in Western Victoria for some 28 years and it's a decision that has not been taken lightly.

Over the last 12-18 months, the Airline has worked on a number of initiatives to increase patronage and stimulate the market. However, despite our best efforts, the service is not economically viable. 

I would personally like to thank our many loyal customers who have supported us over the years. I take a lot of pride in the fact we have delivered you safely to your destinations over some 20,000 flights in sometimes adverse conditions.

We appreciate the relationship over the years and everything that the Victorian Government, Glenelg Shire and Warrnambool City Council have done to make the service work to date and we really could not have wished for more supportive stakeholders.

None of the full-time staff employed by Sharp Airlines will be affected by this change. 

Sharp Airlines operates 15 aircraft, servicing 5 states in the Airline and FIFO market and carries over 100,000 passengers and 1.5 million kilograms of freight per annum. With bases in Adelaide, Melbourne (Essendon), Sydney (Bankstown), Launceston and Hobart, our network continues to expand. 

Sharp Airlines is continuously growing and looking for opportunities both in the Regular Public Transport, Charter and FIFO markets. 

Customers with bookings after the 30th June 2019 can contact our reservations team on 1300 556 694 for a full refund. 

Yours sincerely,  

Malcolm Sharp

Managing Director/Chief Pilot - Sharp Airlines

 

 

Photo credit: Robert Blackburn

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