EastWest Airlines has announced it intends to put together a proposal that includes flights from Merimbula and Griffith airports to Melbourne. 

The company’s website says it is looking to commence flights in the coming months.

“EastWest Airlines is preparing a proposal to commence Regular Passenger Transport (RPT) flights between Griffith NSW and Melbourne-Essendon airport,” it said. 

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“EastWest is looking to start flights in August 2018.”

The company says it plans to offer the service in conjunction with Sharp Airlines as operator. The proposed arrangement will go forward “subject to concluding satisfactory commercial arrangements”.

The managing director and chief pilot at Sharp Airlines, Malcolm Sharp, confirmed the two companies were in negotiation.

Sharp Airlines managing director and Chief Pilot Malcolm Sharp confirmed to the Merimbula News Weekly that the two companies were in the negotiating stage. 

“We are in very preliminary discussions with EastWest Airlines at the moment,” Mr Sharp said.

“Watch this space.” 

Flights between Melbourne and Griffith were offered by Rex Airlines before being axed in 2012. Tasmanian airline Par Avion attempted to rejuvinate the Griffith – Melbourne route before stopping flights in 2016. 

Rex Airlines is currently the sole operator out of Griffith, offering flights to Sydney. 

Griffith Business Chamber President said a new airline was among the Chamber’s top 10 priorities for growing the region. 

“It could be a game changer for our economy. We need to show this airline provider that we’re right behind them. We need to ensure the route is profitable for the economy,” he said. 

“We’re focused on being an enabler to grow our economy. It’s in our top 10 priorities to grow Griffith, because of that we’re on the map and people are looking at these opportunities.” 

We need to encourage our friends, families, acquaintances and business colleagues from Melbourne to use this kind of service. Ultimately, it’s money spent.” 

Griffith Airport Coordinator Bob Campbell said while he didn’t know the specifics of any proposal yet, the airport would love to see the reintroduction of Melbourne flights. 

“We would certainly like to see the reintroduction of flights to Melbourne. We'd welcome it with open arms,” he said. 

“We want to develop the airport to it's full potential, so bring it on. It would certainly be one way of doing it.”