Newcastle Airport’s direct Perth to Newcastle route has launched, improving access to and from regional NSW.
The three-times weekly service, operated by a 150-seat QantasLink Airbus A319, will contribute to the delivery of extra aviation capacity while making travel easier and faster to the Hunter.
Newcastle Airport CEO Linc Horton said the route would inject $21.7 million into the regional economy each year and create 74 new local jobs.
“Locals and businesses have been telling us for years they wanted this connection and with the NSW Government’s Aviation Attraction fund behind us, our team was able to turn that demand into reality,” Mr Horton said.
“This is about listening to our region and working with government and airline partners to deliver the connections people need.”
“The new direct Perth-Newcastle service demonstrates how our new terminal will connect our 1.4 million-strong catchment with more destinations, more easily and will play a key role in delivering on the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy ambitious targets, especially the 8.5 million new airline seats and $91 billion visitor spend by 2035.
"Early sales are performing well and I’m confident that Newcastle Airport could grow the Qantas service beyond three flights per week.”
NSW Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said: “The NSW Government was proud to work with Newcastle Airport and Qantas to secure this route through the Aviation Attraction Fund and the new connection to the west coast opens the door for more people to discover Newcastle and the Hunter.
“This is a transformational time for Newcastle Airport, the region and the whole state, and I’m excited for our communities to experience the economic and social benefits of increased visitation.”
QantasLink CEO Rachel Yangoyan said: “These flights will provide over 45,000 seats between Newcastle and Perth annually with connections on to Qantas’ extensive domestic and international networks."
Newcastle Airport Chair Jude Munro AO said a key focus of the Board was to drive regional economic growth and connectivity and thanked the Qantas Group for its confidence in the airport.
“I would also like to thank the NSW Government for aligning with our push to increase regional connectivity via their Aviation Attraction Fund, which plays a critical role in unlocking new connections with airlines for our region to enjoy,” Ms Munro said.
Port Stephens Mayor and Newcastle Airport Director Leah Anderson said the launch of the route would be a game changer for the Hunter region.
“It's a huge win for our tourism industry with more people from Western Australia being able to fly straight into Newcastle to experience everything our region has to offer, from our amazing wine country to our beautiful coastline," she said.
“For Port Stephens, this means more visitors enjoying our stunning beaches and natural beauty, which creates more business for everyone who relies on tourism. This kind of boost to our local economy is exactly what the NSW Government wants to achieve by supporting smarter air travel and helping our region grow.
“It's a huge step forward for the Hunter, giving our community the kind of travel options they've been waiting for."
