Merimbula’s new airline, Free Spirit Airlines, has had a major setback causing it to delay the start of the Merimbula service which was supposed to begin on Monday, June 1.
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Free Spirit Airlines founder and managing director Roman Badov said the delay in the Merimbula service was because of an unexpected crew shortage caused by another airline poaching their staff.
Mr Badov chose not to name the other airline.
“Unfortunately, unscrupulous acts are commonplace in the aviation industry,” Mr Badov said.
“In recent days our operating crew have been poached by another operator, we suspect in retaliation of their reduced passenger numbers as a result of Free Spirit Airlines commencing operations.”
Mr Badov said Free Spirit Airlines was left with no option but to suspend operations until they are able to train their new crew.
“Unfortunately, this has delayed the commencement of services between Merimbula and Melbourne.”
“We will recommence operations as soon as we once again have sufficient crew numbers to do so, expected to be within the month.”
Despite the setback Mr Badov is confident that Free Spirit Airlines will be well received in the South Coast region when services start in July.
“We look forward to establishing public confidence and acceptance of our services.
"We have been operational for one month and have been delighted with the local reception and our business growth on our Melbourne to Burnie/Wynyard Tasmania routes.
“Our most recent passenger loads support that our business model works and there is much demand for an alternative service such as offered by our airline.”
Free Spirit Airlines will be offering three flights per week from Merimbula airport to Melbourne’s Essendon airport. They will also be providing free drinks, alcoholic and no alcohol and free snacks to their passengers in their licensed passenger lounges.
