Return of ON into Norfolk

[Kwaj mate]

Rumour has it that ON has made significant inroads into future OzJet operations of the Norfolk Airlines contract. Despite the uncertainty of long term viability of the Nauru aircraft, it was acknowledged that the committee (airline GM, the Minister, & self appointed aviation lawyer on-island) have been meeting regularly to stitch up the Nauru deal. Last month I was with a group on NLK and the rumor-mill was running overtime. Locally the airline is known to be well over-budget and running at a substantial loss despite the statements by executives. Pity the Island is so small that family ties control key positions and real talent is wasted. Yes, we have the same problem in this part of the world.

[cnic]

Wasn't our airline the contract holders before the current one? If so why will a change make a difference.

[IAW]

OzJet probably dazzled them with a powerpoint slide of a cutting edge 737-200 in Norfolk Air livery and the rest was history.

[27/09]

Isn't one Ewan Wilson, of Kiwi Travel International Airlines, aka Kiwi Air, involved in the running of Norfolk Air?

[South Pac]

One and the same I believe.

His book is featured at this link and may very well still be for sale.
http://www.investigatemagazine.com/dogfight.htm

Never read the book so I don't know if it details the the actual conclusion.

[Kwaj mate]

Yes, that's the bloke. Was supposed to meet him on NLK last month. I'd heard about the chap & was curious to see what he was like in the flesh. According to the Government airline press releases, he was appointed by OzJet (he was one of their middle management team) but has moved to the NLK Government payroll. He was also on his NZ city council so was double-dipping the systems for about a year. Now with the Nauru operation it comes full circle as they were the first carrier he used to start his failed Kiwi Air services. Wonder if Nauru will be able to recover the money Kiwi still owe them; or this may be a trade.

[olderairhead]

This (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kiwi_Travel_International_Airlines) Ewan Wilson?

[27/09]

This Ewan Wilson?

Yep, one and the same, with fraud convictions and banned from holding Directorship or Senior Managament positions in New Zealand.

[Kwaj mate]

"A person of interest" as they say in some quarters; and did not realize that he had such an extensive background. By all accounts he is well traveled and very experienced in the aviation world. How is he able to hold his position if, quote "The Securities Commission went further and banned Wilson from ever holding a Directorship or Senior Management position, stating that “Wilson’s actions as CEO of Kiwi Air were both ethically void and morally reprobate”.
:=

[27/09]

By all accounts he is well traveled and very experienced in the aviation world

By his own admission no less. Like most politicians he is pretty good at self promotion.

[mainwheel]

End of the day a gold quality service for the punters. A safe reliable operation and all done to a standard.

[Heavy Cargo]

It will never happen ?

[porch monkey]

Is that another prediction HC?

[Heavy Cargo]

Fact will not happen.

[feenix]

I hope it's as accurate as all your other facts

[Heavy Cargo]

NLK/OA Not happening.

[witwiw]

You're getting boring HC.

It'd be good to read something you write that actually eventuates ...........

[Flying Monk]

Found this on the Norfolk Air website:

23rd May 2008
Norfolk Air will become the newest international airline to fly into the Gold Coast when direct flights begin to Norfolk Island on October 2 this year.

The flights will leave Gold Coast Airport, Coolangatta, at 10.30am every Thursday and arrive on the island at 2.05pm local time. Return flights will leave at 3.05pm the same day, arriving back on the Gold Coast at 3.50pm.

Strong growth over the past 14 months has seen Norfolk Air operating three services a week to Brisbane and Sydney and one to Melbourne and Newcastle. A second Melbourne service is to begin on September 1.

"The new Gold Coast service is a very exciting development for Norfolk Air because it will provide direct access into a catchment of more than a million potential passengers, many in our top market demographic" said Norfolk Air Commercial Manager Becky Nobbs.

Ms Nobbs said the new service, which would use a Boeing 737-300 offering 126 Economy and four Premium Economy seats, was bookable now via www.norfolkair.com and licensed travel agents.

"We're planning to launch a marketing campaign and a roadshow with Norfolk Island Tourism to get the word out about the new service as quickly as possible," she added.

NIT General Manager Terry Watson said he was delighted with the new service because the Gold Coast and Northern Rivers regions were strong traditional markets for Norfolk Island.

"Norfolk Island appeals to Australians because it is a very affordable international destination offering a vast range of tours and activities," Mr Watson added.

"Its affordability means holidaymakers can stay on the island longer, making the Thursday flights ideal for those wanting to get away for a week or more."

Norfolk Air is owned by the Norfolk Island Government. Passports or a Document of Identity available from local Post Offices are required for travel to the island, an External Territory of Australia.

To introduce the new service, Norfolk wholesaler Norfolk Select is offering seven night packages from the Gold Coast to Norfolk Island from $1099 per person twin-share, including return flights, prepaid taxes, on-island transfers, accommodation at Daydreamer Apartments, car hire (insurance extra), and an island tour. Offer available until June 30, 2008 for travel to March 26, 2009. Call Norfolk Select on 1800 724 400 or visit www.norfolkselect.com.au. General information at www.norfolkair.com or www.norfolkisland.nf

I heard the launch, spoken about above, is due to take place on the Gold Coast on Monday 23 June 2008. Perhaps the details of the 737-300 to be used for the service will be revealed.

[feenix]

It has been in the press already the flights are being operated by OA as will the other Norfolk flights when Ozjets notice period expires next year ,despite what HC says the contracts are already signed

[mainwheel]

Some showers ahead for ON............

[Flying Monk]

Hey Mainwheel

Sorry, but your deep and meaningful post has somewhat gone right through to the keeper.

In a nutshell - I didn't understand what you meant and would appreciate some clarification please.:confused:

[mainwheel]

Without the "uh-hmn" i'd probably miss it too...........

Lets hope things get streamlined a little...

[Flying Monk]

Oh Mainwheel

You really are bowling for the keeper. How about sending one down close enough for me to play a shot at?:bored:

[mainwheel]

Are you after the first prize................