Hamilton Airport announced today it has been advised by Virgin
Australia that the airline will cease operating its
Brisbane-Hamilton route after 27 October 2012 due to a lack of
demand by travellers.
Virgin Australia (previously operating as Pacific Blue) began
offering a Brisbane-Hamilton service in September 2009 and flies
the route three times each week.
Virgin Australia New Zealand Executive General Manager, Mark Pitt,
said, "Despite our support and our positive relationship with
Hamilton Airport over the past three years, demand for this service
has continued to deteriorate and the service is no longer
sustainable.
"Therefore, after careful consideration, we have made the decision
to cease operating this service.
Our last flight will be on 27 October."
Hamilton Airport CEO, Chris Doak, said the decision by Virgin
Australia was disappointing for the region.
"Virgin Australia has supported the region with their aircraft and
has worked hard to connect with the local traveller. This was a
decision that came down to passenger numbers. There just
weren’t enough people using the services," he said.
Hamilton Airport Chairman, John Birch, said the airport was in a
viable financial position and, despite the decision by Virgin
Australia, the airport will continue to run profitably going
forward given it is a diversified operation.
"We’ve spent the last few years restructuring and paying back
debt. Additionally we’re now seeing revenues from our
diversification into property, which involves utilising our surplus
land. The airport is a multi-faceted business, which helps protect
us from exactly this scenario.
"We are operating profitably and, despite the setback of the
suspension of Virgin Australia services, subject to world economic
pressures, we will remain profitable," he said.
