Newcastle Airport

FlyPelican Launches Direct Morning Service Between Newcastle and the Gold Coast

today5 February 2025

Background
share close

FlyPelican, an airline based in Newcastle, has announced the launch of a new direct service between Newcastle and the Gold Coast, commencing on Monday, 24 March 2025. The service is scheduled to operate four times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, with flights departing Newcastle Airport at 7:00 AM and arriving at Gold Coast Airport approximately 90 minutes later. A swift 30-minute turnaround is planned before the return flight to Newcastle. The route will be serviced by a 19-seat Jetstream 32 aircraft, and passengers will benefit from a complimentary checked baggage allowance.

Marty Hawley, CEO of FlyPelican, expressed enthusiasm about the expansion: “FlyPelican is thrilled to expand our network, with our focus on getting local people where they need to go. We are now filling a key gap for travellers to and from the Gold Coast that are in need of a morning departure.”

Andrew Warrender, Interim CEO of Newcastle Airport, highlighted the benefits for business travelers: “The early morning departure times are particularly beneficial for business travellers, aligning perfectly with our commitment to enhancing connectivity for the Hunter region. We’re excited to see this route take off and contribute to the continued growth of both Newcastle and Gold Coast airports.”

Amelia Evans, CEO of Gold Coast Airport, welcomed the new service, noting its role in increasing capacity on the Newcastle route: “We welcome around 110,000 passengers through our terminal each year on flights to and from Newcastle, so these new services will provide them with more choice.”

Launch fares start at $245 one-way, and bookings are available through FlyPelican’s website or authorized travel agents.

 

About FlyPelican

FlyPelican is a 100% Australian-owned regional airline and aircraft charter company based in Newcastle, New South Wales. The airline operates a fleet of 19-seat British Aerospace Jetstream 32 aircraft, focusing on delivering safe and efficient services. All operations are conducted using multi-crew airline operating procedures, and the aircraft are maintained in accordance with strict airline standards. The staff comprises highly trained and skilled individuals who undergo regular reviews to ensure the highest levels of safety and service.

Currently, FlyPelican operates regular scheduled passenger services between several destinations, including Newcastle-Canberra, Newcastle-Sydney, Newcastle-Narrabri, Sydney-Mudgee, and Sydney-Cobar. The airline also offers air charter services across Australia, utilizing its modern twin-turboprop aircraft to provide efficient and seamless service to many airports nationwide. Available 24/7, FlyPelican provides tailored transportation solutions for a diverse client base, whether for business, pleasure, fly-in fly-out operations, or freight transport.

FlyPelican was established by former staff of Aeropelican Air Services, a commuter airline that operated high-frequency services between Newcastle and Sydney until the early 2000s. Following the collapse of Aeropelican’s parent company, Ansett Australia, in 2001, former employees formed FlyPelican, shifting operations to Newcastle Airport and building a regional airline from scratch.

Since commencing scheduled flights on 1 June 2015, FlyPelican has carved out its niche in the regional aviation market, connecting cities and regional towns across eastern Australia. The airline continues to focus on providing essential air links to regional centers, contributing to the connectivity and economic development of the areas it serves.

Written by: Newy Staff


Newy 87.8 FM is an FM radio station established in 2014 targeting Classic Hits music enthusiasts across Newcastle and The Central Coast, Australia. The station plays 60s 70s and 80s music. The station can be streamed online via this website or smart phone apps such as Tunein. In 2024 we opened a local newsroom dedicated to publishing Newcastle News.