Long standing Essendon Fields based regional airline, Sharp Airlines, has added a brand new Fairchild Metroliner 23 to its fleet of already 17 Metro aircraft operated around Australia. The Metro 23 is a popular turboprop aircraft that provides comfortable travel in a pressurised cabin for groups of up to 19 people – making it perfect for regional air links.

Sharp Airlines currently operate three aircraft on routes between Essendon Fields Airport and both King Island and Flinders Island, with ongoing services also to Burnie and Launceston in Tasmania. The additional Metro 23 aircraft acquired by Sharp Airlines is expected to begin servicing these routes during April.

CEO Sharp Airlines, Alistair Dorward, said passengers will be delighted with the comfort and smooth operation of the new aircraft on the routes in and out of Essendon Fields.

“This aircraft is just in the process of undertaking all the necessary inspections required by CASA and Sharp Airlines to have it approved to operate and be included within our Air Operators Certificate. Once approved, it will be generally based at Essendon Fields to provide the opportunity to capture new business as well as rotate throughout our wider network,’’ said Mr Dorward.

Sharp Airlines staff are delighted as the airline’s fleet continues to grow to service both Regular Public Transport (RPT) operations and charter as well as other fly-in and fly-out operations.

“Sharp Airlines commenced operation 34 years ago with just one aircraft in Victoria that was based in Hamilton, and then around 20 years ago at Essendon Fields. Today we own 17 Metro liner aircraft and have operations in five states, employing over 100 staff,’’ said Mr Dorward.

Essendon Fields’ GM Aviation Matt Marais noted that Sharp Airlines had been a highly valued aviation partner with Essendon Fields for over 20 years and congratulated them on the new addition to the fleet.

“Essendon Fields Airport is well positioned to expand our regional services and welcomes Sharp Airlines investment in this new aircraft to grow their operation here. This investment validates operators looking away from major airports for value, looking for a place of quality, that’s more convenient with efficient operations and easy access for travellers to and from the Melbourne CBD,” said Mr Marais.

Mr Dorward said Sharp staff loved being based at Essendon Fields, frequenting Friction Café for meetings, Mr McCracken for knock offs, or ducking into Coles or LaManna Melbourne for groceries alongside their customers.

“Essendon Fields is a great location to be based for RPT and charter work. The ease of car parking, no security hold-ups for passengers and great passenger facilities make the experience very convenient and hassle free,’’ he said.

“What we have always done for our past 34 years of operation is continually look at all opportunities consistent with our ethos of providing safe, reliable and affordable aviation solutions at competitive pricing. Sharp Airlines does not increase fares at peak times; instead, we are consistent, transparent and deliver services at the most economical fares and freight rates possible,’’ he said.

If you’re an aviation business or have an aircraft you’d like to base here, get in touch with our team via aviation@ef.com.au.

For more information on flights to Flinders Island, King Island, Launceston, or Burnie with Sharp Airlines, please click here.