Update on fares for Flinders Island services
Dear valued Sharp Airlines travellers,
We are writing to provide some context around a recent update to fares on our services between Launceston, Melbourne and Flinders Island.
We understand that travel to and from Flinders Island is essential, for families, medical access, business, education, freight and tourism and we know that any fare change is felt directly by the community. This was not a decision taken lightly.
Why have fares changed?
Like many regional airlines across Australia, we are experiencing sustained cost pressures. These include fuel, aircraft maintenance, regulatory compliance, staffing, insurance and airport-related costs, all of which have increased significantly over recent years.
As a small regional operator flying low-capacity aircraft, we do not have the scale advantages available to major airlines. To continue operating safely and reliably, fares must reflect the true cost of providing the service.
It is important to be clear – this change is about cost recovery and service continuity, not profit.
What has changed?
Rather than applying a blanket fare increase, we have introduced more structure and flexibility into our fare offering:
- A new lower-priced fare category has been introduced at the previous price point, with a large portion of seats still available at that level.
- Our fully flexible fare has increased modestly, reflecting its higher flexibility and last-minute availability.
- Fare conditions have been updated to include a 48-hour cancellation window, helping us manage limited seats more efficiently and release availability back to the community.
Our intent was to minimise the impact, particularly for customers who are in the position to plan ahead.
Is Sharp Airlines making more money from this?
No. Margins on regional routes such as Flinders Island remain extremely slim. These adjustments help us keep the service viable year-round, including during off-peak periods, rather than facing reduced frequency, unreliability, or eventual withdrawal.
Why not absorb the cost?
We already absorb a significant portion of rising costs. Unfortunately, the gap has grown too large to continue doing so responsibly. Not acting would ultimately put the service itself at risk, which is something we are committed to avoiding.
A broader regional aviation challenge
These pressures are not unique to Sharp Airlines. They reflect a systemic challenge facing regional aviation across Australia.
We continue to engage actively with both State and Federal governments, alongside industry bodies, to advocate for structured, long-term support models that recognise the essential role regional air services play. To date, despite strong advocacy across the sector, no direct operating support has been received.
Should sustainable funding arrangements become available in the future, this could help stabilise and potentially reduce fares over time.
How can customers minimise costs?
Where possible, we recommend:
- Booking early to access lower-priced fares
- Being flexible with travel dates
- Speaking with our reservations team, who can help identify the best option for your needs
We are also continuing to explore resident-focused initiatives where feasible, ensuring any approach is responsible, fair and sustainable.
We remain deeply committed to Flinders Island and to providing a safe, reliable and essential air service for the long term. We thank you sincerely for your understanding and continued support.
Warm regards,
The Sharp Airlines Team
Yours sincerely,
Alistair Dorward
Chief Executive Officer
Sharp Airlines
