NSW regional airline Air Link last month celebrated 50 years of operational service to remote and regional centres across the state.
The airline, which operates GA types in airline roles, was formed in Dubbo in February 1974, and now also has bases in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.
In 1989, the company was sold to Dubbo local David Miller, who grew operations to include scheduled passenger services that commenced in 1991 after Hazelton Airlines sold off their western NSW routes.
Miller expanded the airline to flying a Beech 1900D between Sydney and Dubbo, with connections to Cobar, Bourke, Brewarrina, Coonamble, Walgett and Lighting Ridge.
Regional Express bought Air Link in 2005 and continued to operate the airline until 2018 when REX sold Air Link to the current owners, Sydney-based Aviation Logistics.
“As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, I would like to acknowledge the ongoing support we have received from the people of Dubbo, Walgett, Lightning Ridge, Bourke and many other regional towns that we fly to," said Aviation Logistics Executive Director, Matthew Kline.
“After taking ownership of Air Link in 2018, we made a promise to the people of western NSW that we would deliver reliable air services connecting Bourke, Walgett and Lightning Ridge with Dubbo and we are proud to have delivered on this promise whilst winning back the trust and respect of local people.
“These flights would not be possible without the support of the Far North West Joint Organisation, local councils and the NSW Government and we look forward to continuing our work with all levels of government to ensure these services continue well into the future.”
Air Link operates a fleet of 24 aircraft, including two jets types in the Cessna Citation M2 and Citation Mustang, Beech King Air, Piper Chieftain and Cessna 310.
“Over the past five years we have worked hard to not only re-introduce scheduled flights between Bourke, Walgett, Lightning Ridge and Dubbo, we have also supported western NSW communities in times of need," said Aviation Logistics Executive Director and Air Link Chief Pilot, Mark Wardrop.
“As we celebrate 50 years of service, we reflect on some of the significant moments over the past five years, including the role we played in the 2022 floods where we mobilised additional aircraft to ensure isolated towns across western NSW remained connected by air to receive the supplies and support they needed, while another highlight is our work with Taronga Western Plain Zoo flying native animals and zoo staff to remote release sites as part of Taronga Zoo’s conservation efforts.”
Aviation Logistics has also been announced as the civil launch customer for AMSL Aero's Vertiia eVTOL, with an order for 10 of the type, which are planned for operations under the Air Link, Airmed and Chartair banners.