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Torres Strait air service decision looms

Posted December 1, 2008 15:27:00

A new regional airline could soon be providing regular passenger services in the Torres Strait, off far north Queensland, by the end of the year.

The operational manager for West Wing Aviation has confirmed the company is negotiating to service the routes, with a final decision expected later this week.

Air services to 11 remote island communities have been crippled since regional airline Aerotropics was suspended over safety concerns in September.

Torres Strait Islands Regional Council Mayor Fred Gela says West Wing may use former Aerotropics' aircraft capable of landing at isolated airstrips.

"I know for a fact that West Wing is the one considered for this area, and I know in discussions that they're looking at some of the airlines, or some of the planes that Aerotropics has down on the ground, being the two Caravans and another Islander in order to access all communities," he said.

Tags: air-transport, cairns-4870, torres-strait-islands

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