Emerald Chamber of Commerce Inc

 

 

Here is a story from the archives.....

 



Written by Ron Entsch and Victor Cominos

 

The History of Bush Pilots Airways

 

and

 

Air
Queensland

 

Hence Ansett, through Ansett Transport Industries, acquired eighteen per cent ownership of Air Queensland, and Alan Yates, Ansett’s deputy general manager, was appointed to the board.

 

This news was not well received in some quarters. The Emerald Chamber of Commerce expressed its views in a letter dated 5 September 1984:

 

At a meeting of this Chamber yesterday, members expressed their concern on the announcement that Ansett Airways has purchased 18.3 per cent share in your airline.

 

Its reason for concern relates to history—from the time Queensland Airlines, which served this town for many years with a DC3 aircraft, was purchased by Ansett Airways.

 

After that the service deteriorated in smaller aircraft and less convenient schedules, and many changes of operators.

 

Until Bush Pilots Airways started operating here in 1978, the services offered in the Central Highlands were very indifferent.

 

The introduction of the Metros and direct services to Brisbane, although appreciated by many, were not appreciated by everyone; however, the service now operating is appreciated.

 

Members of the Chamber are concerned that history may repeat itself if the strength of Air Queensland is lost in serving our area, so your assurances that you consider this area worthy of your support would be appreciated.

 

In his response to the Chamber, Sir Sydney said, “May I very emphatically say that we in Air Queensland will never allow history to repeat itself whilst we continue to have your full support and that of the people of the Central Highlands”.

 

Despite those well-intentioned comments, the Chamber was to learn, six months later, that Air Queensland was under the control of TAA, not Ansett.

 

The President of the Emerald Chamber of Commerce Mr. Victor Cominos clearly remembers the incident and the concerns of the members in 1984.

 

Particularly as they had seen the air services to Emerald deteriorate since Ansett had taken over Queensland Airlines Pty Ltd.

 

Mr. Cominos said, “When in 1966 Queensland Airlines Pty Ltd was absorbed into Ansett-ANA (Ansett Transport Industries) it was the beginning of the decline of local air services.”

 

“I can remember the diligent services provided by the local agents of Queensland Airlines Pty Ltd, for many years Keith Esmond of Dalgety & Co followed by Bill McKendry of McKendry’s News & Travel Agency sold the tickets and they also provided the ground services at the Emerald Airport,” said Mr. Cominos.

 

Epilog: Long before Queensland Airlines Pty. Ltd. had begun servicing Emerald the company had begun life in Brisbane as Aircrafts Pty Ltd.  The company formed in 1927 changed its name from Aircrafts Pty Ltd to Queensland Airlines Pty Ltd on 18th October 1949 and continued to deliver newspapers and passengers to towns north and west of the capital. That year saw services being provided to Brisbane - Maryborough - Bundaberg - Rockhampton - Clermont, Brisbane - Kingaroy - Monto - Thangool - Rockhampton. Emerald had yet to be added to the route.

This story has been brought to you by the Emerald Chamber of Commerce Inc.
(Ph: 07 4982 3444)