NEWCASTLE Airport this week welcomed its first direct flight from Newcastle to Adelaide, via Fly Pelican.

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The inaugural flight marks the commencement of the first new major domestic route from Newcastle Airport since the introduction of Gold Coast in 2004.

The first flight from Adelaide quickly became a local celebrity affair for its return journey, carrying The Newcastle Jets and supporters, travelling south for the Round 24 Hyundai A-League fixture against Adelaide United.

Other passengers enjoying the new direct jet service to Adelaide include Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Nuatali Nelmes;

Newcastle Airport Chair, Peter Gesling; Newcastle Airport CEO, Peter Cock; and FlyPelican CEO, Paul Graham.

However, it was a different group that also commanded attention on this important day for Newcastle Airport.

The Irrawang High School Drum Corps were invited to be a part of the celebrations to farewell the inaugural direct flight.

The Drum Corps entertained the crowds, playing on the tarmac, next to the plane bound for Adelaide.

The Captain and First Officer of the Fly Pelican Fokker jet could not contain their curiosity and disembarked to come and meet the students, even filming their performance.

The Newcastle Jets joined in on the fun, posing with Drum Corps students for photos and videos.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, was another one of the lucky passengers and congratulated them on their impressive performance.

Dedicated community supporters, Stewart Murrell and Colleen Mulholland-Ruiz from MarketPlace Raymond Terrace were also in attendance.

Lue Fagan from Irrawang High School told News Of The Area, “Without a doubt, the stars of the day were our amazingly awesome Drum Corps, they put a smile on the faces of everyone who boarded, and the ground staff around them.”

“Polite, respectful and always displaying our PBL values of Respect, Responsibility and Personal Best.”

“Big thanks to Newcastle Airport for giving us the opportunity of showcasing our students to a much wider audience,” she said.

By Rachael VAUGHAN