The Moree-Sydney route is one of 14 within New South Wales regulated by the
state government. Prior to 30 March 2013, the route had been served by up to 20 weekly
QantasLink flights, using
Bombardier Dash 8 turboprop airliners. Controversially, this ended with the awarding of the licence to
Brindabella Airlines on behalf of
Transport New South Wales following a
tender process. The move was met by considerable opposition within the Moree community, with concerns being raised about a lack of consultation, reduced baggage allowance, loss of frequent flyer program benefits as well as smaller aircraft operating the route and less operational flexibility in the event of delays or cancellations. Prior to 27 January 2012, Brindabella Airlines operated weekday services to Brisbane, but these flights ceased after the company reviewed services to the region following a merger with
Aeropelican, a move which damaged the airline's reputation in the local community. In December 2013, concerns relating to overdue maintenance on some of its aircraft led to the
Civil Aviation Safety Authority grounding Brindabella Airlines. The airline was subsequently put into receivership and ceased operations, with the Sydney-Moree route licence returning to QantasLink. In July 2016,
Fly Corporate announced that it would begin services between Moree and Brisbane from August 2016 using
Fairchild Metro aircraft. The airline withdrew from the route in March 2019. ==Incidents and accidents==