The airline which was originally supposed to commence flights to and from Merimbula on Monday, June 1, has been working to hire new staff after Mr Badov claimed his former crew was poached by a rival airline. 

Free Spirit Airlines is a new airline that was started with the aim of servicing the north of Tasmania and Merimbula. 

Mr Badov said the first month of operations between Melbourne and Burnie, Tasmania, was successful and showed the merit of their business model. 

But after only a month of flying the airline was forced to suspend their services until they could resolve their crew shortage.

“We are currently in the process of hiring and training the right replacement pilots to ensure that this doesn’t happen again,” Mr Badov said. “We expect to emerge from our current situation a stronger and more robust airline.”

Mr Badov said he did not want to state a specific date for the start of services but assured the News Weekly that it will be in the coming weeks. 

He is confident Free Spirit Airlines will be well received in the South Coast region when services start.   

“People are interested in a more competitive and affordable travel solution along these currently monopolised routes.”

Free Spirit Airlines plan to offer three return flights per week from Merimbula airport to Melbourne’s Essendon airport. 

They will also be providing free drinks, alcoholic and non alcoholic, and free snacks to their passengers in their licensed passenger lounges.