Par Avion Introduces Trial Sunday Service and New Departure Times for Griffith-Melbourne Route

Par Avion Airlines has announced it will introduce a 5pm Sunday flight departing from Melbourne (Essendon) to Griffith for a five-week trial starting Sunday August 31 and operating on the Sundays throughout September. The trial will include a Monday flight departing at 7.45am from Griffith to Melbourne.

Par Avion has also announced it plans to introduce new departure times later this year for its Griffith-Melbourne service that operates on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Flights will depart Griffith at 9am and 5:30pm and Essendon at 7am and 3.30pm.

The trial Sunday service will help Par Avion determine if there is sufficient demand for the flight to be included on a long-term basis while the new flight times will be better suited to customer needs, according to Shannon Wells, Managing Director of Par Avion and Airlines Tasmania.

“We have been analysing the needs of our customers who are using the Griffith-to-Melbourne service and our research showed a Sunday service would meet growing demand so we will offer the service on a trial basis for five weeks,” Mr Wells said.

“We also decided to bring in new flight times based on customer feedback we have received. We will also increase the flexibility of some fares and we will make the popular $99 special available across all flights for a restricted number of seats,” Mr Wells added.

Griffith City Mayor John Dal Broi welcomed the news of the Sunday service. “Mr Wells is to be commended for his diligence and commitment to meeting the needs of flyers using the Griffith-to-Melbourne service, which is an important route to our business and residential community,” Mayor Dal Broi said.

Councillor Simon Croce, Chairman of Council’s Transport Committee, said the Griffith-Melbourne service had grown steadily since it went into operation on March 17, 2014. “We are grateful that Par Avion is a company dedicated to listening to and understanding the needs of its customers and this should help them continue to succeed in the months and years to come,” Cr Croce said.

Par Avion tickets can be booked online at www.paa.com.au or by calling 1800 017 557.