National flight charter operator, freight and logistics provider, and aeromedical leader Air Link with its partner operator AirMed have expanded into Victoria. The pair have secured a major new lease at Essendon Fields within Hangar 85 to service clients throughout Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia.

Already Air Link have based a newly purchased aircraft within Hangar 85, a Cessna Citation Mustang, their seventh jet in the company’s fleet. Charter bookings have been flooding in from Air Link’s brokerage partners and long term clients who are based in Victoria.

In the coming months Air Link expect to have several more aircraft based at Essendon Fields, along with a newly refurbished passenger lounge and facilities for its clients to enjoy. Hangar 85 is a major 2148sqm facility located at 6 Bristol St.

“Essendon Fields is our new home in Melbourne. Having operations in Sydney, Brisbane, Dubbo and Tamworth, it was logical to find a Melbourne base and when Hangar 85 became available at Essendon Fields we knew it was perfect – giving us the space we needed for our aircraft, staff and passengers, in a great location, with a little history and character which we love,’’ said Matthew Kline, Director of Air Link.

“We’re excited about becoming part of Essendon Airport’s rich aviation history, taking over a hangar that was established in 1943 during World War 2. Since then it’s been occupied by some of Australia’s most influential airlines and general aviation groups – TAA, the RFDS, and now Air Link and AirMed,’’ he said.

Pictured left is  Matthew Kline, and right is Mark Wardrop, Directors of Air Link.

“The interior of the hangar was completely renovated in 2020, with new hangar floors, passenger lounges and offices. Air Link’s new lounge fit-out is underway, and we’re excited to show our passengers the new facilities over the coming weeks,’’ Matthew said.

“From its base at Essendon Fields, Air Link will operate charter flights in light jets and turboprops, to destinations all over Australia. In addition to passengers, we fly freight, pets and perform a variety of aerial work operations.’’

The expected demand for the services of AirMed, Air Link’s aeromedical patient transport company, was another important part of the decision to expanding into Victoria using Essendon Fields as a base.

AirMed specialises in the convenient, and comfortable transfer of patients requiring care all over Australia and the South Pacific. AirMed have already begun flights to assist charity and Victorian health partners from Essendon Fields Airport.

“We look forward to continuing our support to bring patients home to Victoria, or further abroad, to receive specialist care, all from our new base in Melbourne,’’ Matthew said.

GM Aviation of Essendon Fields Airport, Colin Fort, says that Air Med and Air Link joining the airport is a fantastic outcome.

“Air Link mirror a lot of our own company values when it comes to our commitment to aviation and improving aviation infrastructure. We’re certainly looking at this as a long-term partnership by both parties,” he said.

Air Link and Air Med have over 200 staff spread across Australia and already ten employees have started work at Essendon Fields, but that’s just the start of big growth plans for the company in Melbourne.

For aviation lease enquiries please contact Joel Rauer on 0439 500 160 or fr@ef.com.au.