Charter flight organised for stranded MacAir passengers

The State Government has chartered a plane to transport passengers stranded in flooded parts of North West Queensland by today’s grounding of regional carrier MacAir.

Transport Minister John Mickel said the plane will leave Townsville at approximately 3pm today and fly the MacAir route to Hughenden, Richmond, Julia Creek, Mount Isa and return to Townsville.

“Stranded MacAir passengers can check in for the flight at MacAir counters at those airports by showing their MacAir tickets,” Mr Mickel said.

“I asked Queensland Transport to organise an urgent flight for that route because some people are cut off by floodwaters and the grounding of MacAir leaves them with no other travel option.

“Queensland Transport is continuing to look at all options for restoring air services to other routes affected by the appointing of receivers today to MacAir,” he said.

Mr Mickel said the government had been advised by receivers Ernst and Young that they had taken control of MacAir and grounded all services until further notice.

The government was urgently seeking clarification about the impact on MacAir’s 200 employees and their future employment prospects in the region.

“The Director-General of Queensland Transport has met today with the receivers for the purpose of ascertaining the situation regarding the provision of scheduled MacAir flights. The receiver advised that it would seek to have flights resumed as soon as possible.

“With regard to the disruption of scheduled MacAir services, Queensland Transport wherever possible will provide alternative travel options. That may involve charter flights or coach travel in the short term.

“The government remains committed to providing reliable, regular air services for regional Queensland.

“The government will make information available regarding any temporary arrangements so that MacAir passengers can be informed of the contingency plans that are put in place.

“I have been in contact with the Members of Parliament whose electorates include the routes operated by MacAir – Ms Betty Kiernan, the Member for Mount Isa, and Mr Vaughan Johnson, the Member for Gregory – to keep them apprised of developments so their offices also can advise people as to what is happening.

“The Government will now move to re-tender the air service contracts to ensure that regional Queenslanders continue to be provided with the crucial air services they need and deserve,” Mr Mickel said.

MacAir secured a competitive five-year contract with Queensland Transport in April last year, to operate regulated air services to communities across the Northern, Western and Gulf regions, but experienced difficulties in providing the contracted services.

A special hotline, 1800 139 869, has been established and will be activated later this afternoon. Passengers can also contact Queensland Transport on 13 23 80.

Media Contact: 3237 1944