An artistic impression of what Hobart Airport’s upgrade, and larger, terminal will look like. Photo: www.hobartairport.com.au
The Tasmanian government has launched a $5 million Aviation Attraction Fund to boost domestic and international flights to the island state.
Other state governments, like NSW and Queensland, have established such funds to attract international airlines back to Australia after the pandemic.
Tasmanian Premier and Tourism Minister Jeremy Rockliff says the new fund would help to secure new domestic and international routes or extend existing seasonal services.
The fund provides up to $2m for new domestic routes or extension of seasonal routes, and up to $3 million for direct international flights.
“This investment will drive visitation – boosting our local economy, supporting jobs and creating more opportunities for Tasmanians,” he says.
Hobart Airport Chief Executive officer Norris Carter says the fund will help unlock huge benefits for Tasmania.
“Aviation is a competitive business. These funds will give Tasmania a competitive edge to secure new and extra domestic and international flights,” Carter says.
“Importantly, this fund will go a long way to helping to secure direct international flights to Asia once we complete our $130 million runway upgrade in the middle of this year.”
Launceston Airport CEO Shane O’Hare welcomed the news.
“Today’s announcement will ensure Launceston Airport can competitively engage with domestic airlines to attract more vital connections for our passengers in what is a very competitive domestic market,” O’Hare said.
“… it is vital for Tasmania to compete with other states to attract aviation investment.”
Tourism Industry Council Tasmania CEO Amy Hills says airlines play a crucial role in Tasmania’s visitor economy.
“As destinations across Australia and across the globe compete for the visitor dollar, Tasmania must keep pace and remain as competitive as possible.
“Part of that is making it as easy and affordable as possible to get onto and off the island,” Hills says.
“With applications now open, we encourage Tasmanian airports to work closely with domestic and international airlines and the Government to ensure we can make the biggest gains from this investment,” Rockliff says.
“By offering more routes and flights, we are sending a message to the world that we are the place to visit and do business.
“Importantly, the program is timed perfectly with the upgrades to the Hobart and Launceston airports.”
