A NEW airline has announced two daily flights starting at $99 between Ballina and Newcastle will commence from early December.

The announcement by FlyPelican comes after Regional Express REX stopped its daily Ballina to Newcastle services on October 25.

Well suited

FlyPelican chief executive Paul Graham said the Newcastle to Ballina route was very well suited to the company's Jetstream 32 aircraft.

"We will commence operating a daily return service on December 8, which will fly 19 passengers in about one hour and 20 minutes from Newcastle to Ballina," he said.

Ballina Byron Gateway Airport manager Neil Weatherson said Ballina council had been working with FlyPelican for a number of months in getting the business case right for the airline.

Positive steps

Mr Weatherson said he was delighted about the announcement.

"It is a very positive step for the Ballina Byron Gateway Airport and we are looking forward to working with FlyPelican to grow this service," he said.

Flights for the FlyPelican Newcastle to Ballina service can be purchased from http://www.flypelican.com.au and will start from $99 one way inclusive of taxes.

The airline plans to offer flights departing Ballina at 9:10am and 12:50 pm and return flights from Newcastle at 7:20am and 11am.

FlyPelican is still seeking regulatory approval for the service.