Perth is getting a direct air services to Newcastle and Perth later this year. Photo: stock
Newcastle FIFO workers will no longer have to travel to Sydney first to fly to Perth later this year.
QantasLink is to fly directly between Perth and Newcastle, and to Hobart, Tasmania, as of September.
From September 8, QantasLink will fly three times week to the WA capital while from September 26, a Perth-Hobart service will fly three times a week, almost year-round.
The airline will use the 150-seat Airbus A319 aircraft on both routes, the airline says.
It’s the aircraft used to transport FIFO workers to sites within WA.
Perth Airport’s chief commercial and aviation officer Kate Holsgrove welcomed the airline’s decision.
“The new routes will provide a convenient option for both business and leisure travellers,” she says.
“It’s great news for Australia’s tourism industry as the services will promote increased visitation (between the states),” she says.
The NSW service is expected to create an extra 45,000 seats and support FIFO workers while the Perth-Hobart service will create an extra 32,000 seats.
The Newcastle service has been supported by the NSW Government though its Aviation Attraction Fund (AAF); similar funds are operated by other states to attract more air services.
WA Tourism Minister Reece Whitby welcomed the news as “another exciting step forward” in strengthening his state’s domestic air network.
NSW REACTION
NSW Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley says they are “opening the door” to the rest of the country.
“More flights mean more tourism. That’s a win for local operators and the wider economy,” she says.
NSW Jobs and Tourism Minister Steve Kamper says the new service “is the last piece in the domestic puzzle”.
“Newcastle will soon have direct flights from all major Australian population centres,” he says.
MP for Port Stephens Kate Washington says the news is a “game-changer” for the region with Perth’s connection to London, Paris and Rome.
Newcastle Airport CEO Linc Horton says the new route “gives travellers direct access to both ends of the country and beyond”.
“It’s a major win for the region’s global footprint helping us to be the airport our region deserves.”
His airport is preparing to open its new international terminal later this year to allow overseas flights to land for the first time.
