When this contract expires, National Jet will have provided fly-in and fly-out services from Adelaide and Brisbane to the oil and gas fields for a total of 17 consecutive years. It's believed this contract period makes it one of the longest in Australia's aviation history.
Under the five year contract extension, National Jet will be using a 72 seat BAe 146 jetliner. Previously two DeHavilland Dash 8 propjets were used on the routes.
National Jet's Managing Director Daniela Marsilli said the four-engine jetliner offered an improved and expanded flight schedule for Santos.
"We will be providing twenty-five flights a week to the Cooper Basin from Adelaide and Brisbane, carrying more than sixty-five thousand (65,000) passengers each year", said Ms Marsilli.
"As well as being more effective, the new contract will continue the high standard of safety and service.
"The aircraft offers increased passenger and freight capacity needed to support a vital supplier of Australia's energy needs," said Ms Marsilli.
National Jet came into existence after winning a contract from Santos in 1990, and the relationship has continued ever since.
