Adelaide air service stays after trial success

Alex de Vos
Sharp Airlines will continue flying between Avalon, Portland and Adelaide after an “overwhelmingly successful” trial late last year.
Sharp Airlines’ managing director, Malcolm Sharp said more than 1000 passengers used the service since its inception in October.
He expected total passengers to grow to 5000 in 2010.
“The people in Western Victoria are really embracing the service,” Mr Sharp said.”
He attributed the permanent service to the “high level of customer demand”.
“The new service has exceeded all expectations,” Mr Sharp said.
“We’ve had excellent numbers and are really happy with how it’s all going.”
The regional airline carrier leaves from Avalon at 8.30am Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Mr Sharp said he planned to offer customers more services throughout the year.
“Possibly from late April or early May we’re going to increase the service from three to five times a week,” he said.
The airline’s 19-seat Fairchild Metro flight takes two hours, including a 15-minute stopover at Portland.
Fares started at a “competitive” $109 one-way, Mr Sharp said.