Shellharbour City Council has pledged to work to reinstate services at Illawarra Regional Airport as soon as possible, in the wake of JetGo going into administration.
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JetGo Australia Holdings Pty Ltd entered into voluntary administration on Friday morning.
Jonathan McLeod and Bill Karageozis have been appointed as the administrators.
During the period of administration the company has suspended regular public transport services, including flights from Illawarra Regional Airport.
In a statement, Shellharbour council said it had considered its business association with JetGo, and in the best interest of the community terminated its service level agreement with the airline “effective immediately”.
“Council is disappointed by the announcement but is confident in the viability of future regular passenger services due to the community’s overwhelming support and uptake of the service since commencing last October,” the statement said.
Illawarra Regional Airport is owned and operated by Shellharbour City Council.
Shellharbour Mayor Marianne Saliba said council was working to reinstate services as quickly as possible, with staff in discussions with JetGo and other airline operators with interest to recommence the regular passenger service as soon as practicable.
Cr Saliba said JetGo’s issues were not a result of commencement of passenger services out of the Illawarra Regional Airport.
“In fact the Illawarra Regional Airport to Essendon Fields route was JetGo’s busiest,” Cr Saliba said.
“Unfortunately the operations of JetGo’s commercial enterprise are not within council’s control.”
Cr Saliba said council sympathised with passengers affected by the suspension of JetGo services.
“I can only say that I empathise with those who have booked flights,” she said.
“I understand their concern and disappointment. I can also appreciate that there might be anger about this situation.
“I am sorry that they find themselves in this position and urge affected passengers to contact the administrator or their credit card company for advice in relation to refunds.”
Cr Saliba said the high demand for services to Essendon had demonstrated the importance of maintaining this popular route.
“We have proven that there is sustainable and reliable demand from business and leisure travellers for an airline service from our airport to Essendon Fields Airport in Melbourne,” Cr Saliba said.
She said council had made a business investment decision into passenger service from Illawarra Regional Airport and recognised JetGo’s investment in establishing the routes.
“This investment has proven to other airline operators that our regional community is committed to regular services out of Illawarra Regional Airport,” Cr Saliba said.