Qantas subsidiary Eastern Australia Airlines today announced the purchase of an additional de Havilland Dash-8 aircraft to be delivered into service by 4 July 1999.

The new 36-seat Dash-8 will be used primarily on the Grafton and Coffs Harbour routes.

Eastern Australia Airlines General Manager, Bevan Coote, said the acquisition was a strong statement of commitment to Eastern’s network.

“We will operate an extra three return services a day from Coffs Harbour to Sydney, including a new overnight service tailored for business customers,” Mr Coote said.

“Between Grafton and Sydney we are also replacing the 18-seat Jetstreams with an all Dash-8 service. This will provide our passengers with a dedicated flight attendant, meals and beverages, and the benefits of additional cabin and baggage space.”

The new aircraft will bring Eastern’s Dash-8 fleet to a total of nine and three BAe Jestream 31s. Both aircraft types are maintained at Eastern Australia Airlines engineering bases at Tamworth and Sydney.

Eastern Australia Airlines carries more than half a million passengers annually between Sydney and 11 NSW regional centres, as well as Canberra and Lord Howe Island. The airline will celebrate its 50th year of operation in August 1999.

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