Tasmania and NSW have pitched in to help get a direct air link between Newcastle and Hobart off the ground in December.
Jetstar is to operate a flight three times a week from December 2 until April 21.
The service has been made possible with funding from an Aviation Attraction Fund (AAF) of both NSW and Tasmania.
The NSW Government says it is the third service out of Newcastle Airport to launch with help from its AAF; Newcastle is already connected to Denpasar (Bali) and Perth.
NSW’s new Visitor Economy Strategy 2035 is calling for 8.5 million more airline seats by 2035 to help generate $91 billion in visitor spending; the state also operates two other aviation funds, the $12.5 million NSW Take Off Fund and the $16m Western Sydney International (Airport) Take-Off Fund.
NSW Tourism Minister Steve Kamper says “increasing domestic aviation capacity will be instrumental in achieving” the targeted spending growth.
“The strategy outlines a need to add 8.5 million new airline seats to NSW airports … this new route from Hobart to Newcastle brings us one step closer to that,” he says.
MP for Port Stephens Kate Washington welcomed the news.
“Tassie here we come! This is devilishly good news for the people of Port Stephens and the Hunter,” she says.
“Not only can locals jump on a Jetstar flight direct to Hobart, we’ll be welcoming Tasmanians to the Hunter.”
Newcastle Airport CEO Linc Horton says the new service is a “big win” for both regions.
“Hobart adds another exciting destination to our growing network. With our international terminal now complete, the benefits are clear,” he says, adding that Perth flights have started while Bali services take off on October 21.
Jetstar chief executive officer Stephanie Tully says the new service will create 22,000 low-cost seats during the season.
TASMANIA ‘BENEFITS’
Tasmania’s Tourism Minister Jane Howlett says “aviation access is vital to Tasmania” with strong capacity and frequent services ensuring affordable and convenient travel.
“The government’s AAF is leveraging opportunities like this new direct air service to support our tourism industry, increase trade opportunities and grow our economy.”
Hobart Airport chief operating officer Matt Cocker says a direct link that cuts out a Sydney stopover will save travellers time and money.
“The additional 20,000-plus passengers on these flights adds to a hot-summer at Hobart Airport, with nearly 150,000 more seats (up 7%) compared to last summer.”
Sarah Kingston Clark, CEO Tourism Tasmania says the service “opens the door” to 1.4 million people across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Hunter Valley.
“This is a regional market that has already shown strong appetite for what Tasmania has to offer with further strong potential for growth,” she says.
Clark believes the service will add an extra $41.5m to the state economy.
MORE HOBART NEWS: QantasLink to close regional bases including Hobart
