It goes beyond the immediate travel needs of the local population - there's a significant tourist market to serve as well.
I am well aware of the Norfolk Island tourist traffic, but how attractive will a once-per-week air service be to the tourist market? How well will it be promoted internationally? Will it have through fares and on carriage agreements? Will it only survive with Government subsidies, which has been the case with many previous operators?
Subject to approvals being obtained for the Auckland sector, Norfolk Island Airlines would be able to commence its weekly Sunday Brisbane – Norfolk Island – Auckland – Norfolk Island – Brisbane service in May to provide continuity for the Islands New Zealand visitors.
There will be some happy campers if the sole aircraft goes US!
How much more tourist traffic could be generated if the service had more attractive and reasonable service frequency with a smaller DHC-8-400 or as someone mentioned above, a Fokker 70?
Been a few operators found they can't make a quid on that air service!