Jetstar will use the Airbus A320 on its new Darwin-Gold Coast service, the airline says. Photo: ANDREW KACIMAIWAI
Jetstar’s news today that it is launching a direct seasonal service between Darwin and the Gold Coast marks a busy month for Northern Territory aviation.
In the last four weeks, new services that were added include Alice Springs to Cairns by Airnorth and Darwin to Denpasar by Indonesia AirAsia.
It also follows Virgin’s decision to suspend its seasonal Adelaide-Darwin service and decisions by the Qantas and Jetstar to add more than 95,000 new seats to and from Darwin this year, boosting domestic capacity by 14 per cent compared to last year.
Trade and Business Minister Robyn Cahill says the Jetstar decision should delight residents as it adds more than 25,000 seats.
“Territorians have been asking for more aviation routes and affordable airfares (and) so will be delighted by (the) announcement by Jetstar …” she says.
“We are focused on pursuing more aviation services coming into the Territory and will continue to invest in this area.”
The Dry Season service will operate from June to October four times a week.
Tourism Minister Marie-Clare Boothby says: “These additional flight routes to and from the Northern Territory play an important role as we rebuild our economy ….”
“Increased flight options improve accessibility for tourists, business travellers and investors, along with making travel easier and more affordable for Territorians to visit family and friends interstate,” she says.
Executive airports general manager for the Airport Development Group, Rob Porter says: “The launch of Jetstar’s direct Darwin to Gold Coast route is a significant milestone for our aviation sector, adding another layer of connectivity to the Territory.
“This new service opens up exciting opportunities for both businesses and travellers, strengthening our tourism sector and improving access to key domestic markets,” he says.
“With the trifecta of new routes announced in recent weeks, we are creating even more pathways for people to connect with the Northern Territory.”
AIRNORTH
Airnorth’s direct service between Alice Springs and Cairns will operate three times a week using Embraer E190 jets.
Cahill says the new service will add more than 30,000 seats.
“As international visitation continues to recover this route is strategically important to the Northern Territory tourism sector and expands itinerary options that connect Central Australia and Far North Queensland,” she says.
“With Perth’s growing profile as an international gateway into Australia from UK, Europe and South Africa, the route could support development of new inbound Australian itineraries that include Perth, Central Australia and Far North Queensland.
“Similarly, the route will make it easier for Japanese visitors to disperse from Cairns to Alice Springs.”
Flights will start from April 14.
