Alliance Airlines (Australia) inaugurates Brisbane / Norfolk Island flights

Competition will return to the skies of historic Norfolk Island from Saturday, 7 September, when Alliance Airlines begins scheduled services from Brisbane.

Strong bookings have been received for the first few months of services, with wholesalers and travel agents moving quickly to meet ever-strong demand for this unique destination, just two hours flying time south-east of Brisbane.

Norfolk Island is an Australian external territory with its own Government, language and unique local customs. It has a rich and diverse history, having evolved from a harsh penal colony to now become one of the most peaceful and relaxing holiday locations anywhere, a place where local residents pay no taxes and list their nicknames in the local telephone directory.

Norfolk Island is also renowned for its tax free shopping, with bargains available on items ranging from tobacco and alcohol to perfumes, woollens and even plastic Lego toys for children.

Alliance Airlines - formed in April after acquiring assets of the former Flight West Airlines - will operate scheduled flights from Brisbane International Airport to Norfolk Island every Saturday and Sunday.

The new services, to be operated with 88-seat Fokker 100 twinjets, will offer passengers the opportunity of day trips, weekends away or week-long holidays.

Although a new airline, Alliance will draw upon the considerable experience and expertise of Flight West, which began jet operations to Norfolk Island in 1997, and was instrumental in building the market.

"Our new services from Brisbane have the capacity to deliver up to 352 passengers to and from Norfolk Island every weekend," said Alliance Managing Director Mr Scott McMillan.

"By adding new flights from Brisbane we will bring much-needed competition to the island's air services, and make the destination more accessible for tourists and business people."

Norfolk Island's Minister for Tourism, the Hon David Buffett MLA said: 

"We are confident that the services to be run by Alliance Airlines will provide excellent new opportunities for travel from Australia. We wish them well and offer them our full support, because their success will be our success."

The Chief Executive of Tourism Norfolk Island, Mr Bruce Walker, also welcomed the launch of Alliance flights from Australia. "We are delighted with the introduction of these new services to Norfolk Island," said Mr Walker. "Tourism is the island's main industry and we welcome the vitality and element of competition that Alliance will bring to our market."

The new Alliance schedule for Norfolk Island flights is:

BRISBANE - NORFOLK ISLAND

Flight QQ 735, departs Brisbane 6.30am, arrives Norfolk Island 10.05am

NORFOLK ISLAND - BRISBANE

Flight QQ 734 departs Norfolk Island 6.00pm, arrives Brisbane 7.00pm.

Holiday packages from Talpacific start at just $829 per person, twin share for six nights, flying Alliance Airlines from Brisbane, and including accommodation in the Kingston Cottages. This price includes all taxes, charges and levies. For just $65 extra, passengers can purchase a six-day car pass.