CASA Media Release - Tuesday, 13 January 2004
New air service for North-West NSW
New regional NSW air service Big Sky Express has been given the official go-ahead for operations by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
CASA is satisfied that the new service between Gunnedah, Inverell and Sydney meets the required safety standards.
This follows a close review of the operation by CASA’s technical experts and a trial flight on the new route.
Big Sky Express will use a 19 seat Fairchild Metro aircraft that is operated by Transair, the holder of the air operators certificate.
CASA assessed an application by Transair to add the new route to their existing air operators certificate.
The application successfully detailed how the operation will meet all safety standards.
CASA reviewed essential safety documentation such as the aircraft flight manual, the pilot training and checking manual and the maintenance control manual, as well as overseeing the ‘proving flight’.
This detailed process was completed in less than seven weeks, a period which included the Christmas-New Year holiday break.
CASA’s chief operating officer, Bruce Gemmell, says the start-up of a new air service in north-west NSW is welcome.
“This is a part of NSW that has been without direct air services for some time, so we wish Big Sky Express the best in its new operation,” Mr Gemmell says.
“I’m pleased to say the Big Sky Express operation meets the appropriate safety standards and CASA will continue to monitor the service to make sure safety is maintained.”
Media contact
Peter Gibson
mobile 0419 296 446
Ref: MR0401