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Courier-Mail
6 days ago
- Business
- Courier-Mail
Qantas announces direct flights between Newcastle and Perth, reinstates Perth-to-Hobart service
Don't miss out on the headlines from Breaking News. Followed categories will be added to My News. Qantas has announced its first direct flights between Perth and Newcastle, cutting out a lengthy drive for travellers commuting between the cities. The New QantasLink route launching on September 8 will make it easier for Aussies looking to travel to and from the east and west coast, with flights operating three times a week on Fridays, Sundays and Mondays. The five-hour direct flight is set to save commuters time, as a flight or lengthy drive between Newcastle and Sydney will no longer be required. The route will be chartered by a 150-seat Airbus A319, meaning that 900 seats are available per week and more than 45,000 annually to and from Western Australia. The new QantasLink route will launch in September. Picture: NewsWire / Christian Gilles Perth is the fifth most travelled-to destination for people in the Newcastle Airport catchment, and a Newcastle Airport survey in July last year revealed that an overwhelming 97 per cent of respondents said they would likely travel to Perth if direct flights were available. The new Perth service is forecast to inject about $21.7m into the Newcastle economy each year and create 74 new jobs. Newcastle Airport chief executive Linc Horton said the 'direct to Perth' service was necessary for the region. 'We've worked hard to secure this route because it's one our community and extended region needs,' Mr Horton said. Flights will operate three times a week on Fridays, Sundays and Mondays. Picture: NewsWire / James Gourley 'The five-hour service saves travellers a lengthy drive to Sydney and connects Newcastle and the Greater Hunter directly with WA's resources sector, creating enormous potential for business travel and fly-in fly-out operations. 'It also brings loved ones together and unlocks international one-stop connections via Perth to cities like London, Paris, Johannesburg and seasonal to Rome. 'Western Australia is a vital part of Australia's economy, and this service gives the Hunter's businesses and workers faster, easier access to it. It also supports our strategy to strengthen the airport's role as a key economic enabler for the region. 'The benefits aren't just outbound. With direct access to the Hunter, Perth-based travellers now have easier reach to a region known for wine, coastlines, defence and energy innovation.' Port Stephens Mayor and Newcastle Airport director Leah Anderson said the region deserved direct flights to Perth. Qantas will reinstate a direct Perth-to-Hobart service. Picture: NewsWire / Dylan Coker 'It's about time saved, convenience gained and opportunities unlocked. For the people of Newcastle, Port Stephens, the Greater Hunter and south through to the Central Coast, whether it's for FIFO work, family reunions or seeing more of Australia – this new route makes travel easier and more accessible,' she said. Qantas will also reinstate a direct Perth-to-Hobart service for the first time since 2023, operating three times a week most months of the year. Flights between Perth and Hobart will begin from September 26 and will be available year-round outside of May, June and August. The services will be available for booking on from Thursday morning. Picture: NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw The flights, also chartered by A319 aircraft, are available on Mondays, Fridays and Sundays and will add an additional 32,000 seats annually. The services will be available for booking on from Thursday morning, with economy launch fares starting from $299 Perth-Newcastle one-way and $299 Perth-Hobart one-way. The sale ends 11.59pm AEST on Monday, June 2, unless sold out prior. QantasLink chief executive Rachel Yangoyan said the company was proud to be supporting WA's resource and tourism sector. 'These direct services will not only boost inbound visitors to WA but offer more opportunities for those working in the resource sectors across the country with improved options for their travel,' she said. Originally published as Qantas announces direct flights between Newcastle and Perth
The Advertiser
6 days ago
- Business
- The Advertiser
Ticket price of direct Newcastle to Perth spring flights revealed
With direct flights from Newcastle to Perth four months away, the Newcastle Airport has announced a three-day sale on tickets. For 72 hours Novocastrians can book a flight to the West coast starting from $299 one-way. It is understood that the year-round cost of flights would sit around $400 one-way. Newcastle Airport CEO Linc Horton said the airport had been working with their counterparts in Perth for about 12 years and closely for the last five. "If you think about that price and how much it costs you just to get down to Sydney, you're avoiding all of that," Mr Horton said. "It feels like such a long time coming but to be able to say we now have a direct flight to Perth, is a great relief because it is what our region has asked for and now we've got the opportunity of delivering it," he said. On Wednesday, the Newcastle Herald reported QantasLink would offer Perth flights from September 8 and run three times a week on Fridays, Sundays and Mondays with a 150-seat Airbus A319. The five-hour flight was expected to carry 900 passengers a week and 45,000 passengers annually. In the same time period, flights from Sydney to Perth start at around $295 on average with Jetstar offering $259 tickets, Virgin Australia with $229 and Qantas with $399. Mr Horton said their plan was to hopefully expand and grow its Perth flights to potentially more days in the future. "For locals in the Hunter Region it means you can avoid the three-hour down the freeway to Sydney and you can connect if you're working in the resource industry, visiting friends and family, and other businesses and general tourism," Mr Horton. "You can fly through the network, fly to Perth and then go on a plane to Europe," he said. The CEO said tourists, businesses and workers alike would hopefully take advantage of the new flight path. Travellers took to social media to celebrate the new flight route, saying they were excited to be able to visit their family and friends with more ease. While others said they had their eye on a west coast holiday this summer. General manager of Mount Pleasant Wines Adrian Sparks said the new flights would only help the winery industry as well as all tour operators in the region. "Anything that can attract visitors to the Hunter Valley is worth its weight in gold," he said. He said the route would be beneficial as there were some Hunter businesses that also operated wineries in the Margaret River in Western Australia. "The more flights we can get in and out of Newcastle the better," he said. Business Hunter CEO Bob Hawes said the route helped foster the ongoing business connections with Perth. He said partnerships existed across multiple sectors including manufacturing, energy and defence. "I think it is incumbent on the rest of the visitor economy infrastructure that we have here, in and around region to take it from there and hopefully impress people," he said Chair of Newcastle Tourism Industry Group Dominic May said he hoped visitors would come and explore the region and take in the "beautiful" beaches, bays, lakes and vineyards. "I'm really excited for Hunter locals to not only explore Western Australia but to also explore the world and easily connect to Europe," he said. With direct flights from Newcastle to Perth four months away, the Newcastle Airport has announced a three-day sale on tickets. For 72 hours Novocastrians can book a flight to the West coast starting from $299 one-way. It is understood that the year-round cost of flights would sit around $400 one-way. Newcastle Airport CEO Linc Horton said the airport had been working with their counterparts in Perth for about 12 years and closely for the last five. "If you think about that price and how much it costs you just to get down to Sydney, you're avoiding all of that," Mr Horton said. "It feels like such a long time coming but to be able to say we now have a direct flight to Perth, is a great relief because it is what our region has asked for and now we've got the opportunity of delivering it," he said. On Wednesday, the Newcastle Herald reported QantasLink would offer Perth flights from September 8 and run three times a week on Fridays, Sundays and Mondays with a 150-seat Airbus A319. The five-hour flight was expected to carry 900 passengers a week and 45,000 passengers annually. In the same time period, flights from Sydney to Perth start at around $295 on average with Jetstar offering $259 tickets, Virgin Australia with $229 and Qantas with $399. Mr Horton said their plan was to hopefully expand and grow its Perth flights to potentially more days in the future. "For locals in the Hunter Region it means you can avoid the three-hour down the freeway to Sydney and you can connect if you're working in the resource industry, visiting friends and family, and other businesses and general tourism," Mr Horton. "You can fly through the network, fly to Perth and then go on a plane to Europe," he said. The CEO said tourists, businesses and workers alike would hopefully take advantage of the new flight path. Travellers took to social media to celebrate the new flight route, saying they were excited to be able to visit their family and friends with more ease. While others said they had their eye on a west coast holiday this summer. General manager of Mount Pleasant Wines Adrian Sparks said the new flights would only help the winery industry as well as all tour operators in the region. "Anything that can attract visitors to the Hunter Valley is worth its weight in gold," he said. He said the route would be beneficial as there were some Hunter businesses that also operated wineries in the Margaret River in Western Australia. "The more flights we can get in and out of Newcastle the better," he said. Business Hunter CEO Bob Hawes said the route helped foster the ongoing business connections with Perth. He said partnerships existed across multiple sectors including manufacturing, energy and defence. "I think it is incumbent on the rest of the visitor economy infrastructure that we have here, in and around region to take it from there and hopefully impress people," he said Chair of Newcastle Tourism Industry Group Dominic May said he hoped visitors would come and explore the region and take in the "beautiful" beaches, bays, lakes and vineyards. "I'm really excited for Hunter locals to not only explore Western Australia but to also explore the world and easily connect to Europe," he said. With direct flights from Newcastle to Perth four months away, the Newcastle Airport has announced a three-day sale on tickets. For 72 hours Novocastrians can book a flight to the West coast starting from $299 one-way. It is understood that the year-round cost of flights would sit around $400 one-way. Newcastle Airport CEO Linc Horton said the airport had been working with their counterparts in Perth for about 12 years and closely for the last five. "If you think about that price and how much it costs you just to get down to Sydney, you're avoiding all of that," Mr Horton said. "It feels like such a long time coming but to be able to say we now have a direct flight to Perth, is a great relief because it is what our region has asked for and now we've got the opportunity of delivering it," he said. On Wednesday, the Newcastle Herald reported QantasLink would offer Perth flights from September 8 and run three times a week on Fridays, Sundays and Mondays with a 150-seat Airbus A319. The five-hour flight was expected to carry 900 passengers a week and 45,000 passengers annually. In the same time period, flights from Sydney to Perth start at around $295 on average with Jetstar offering $259 tickets, Virgin Australia with $229 and Qantas with $399. Mr Horton said their plan was to hopefully expand and grow its Perth flights to potentially more days in the future. "For locals in the Hunter Region it means you can avoid the three-hour down the freeway to Sydney and you can connect if you're working in the resource industry, visiting friends and family, and other businesses and general tourism," Mr Horton. "You can fly through the network, fly to Perth and then go on a plane to Europe," he said. The CEO said tourists, businesses and workers alike would hopefully take advantage of the new flight path. Travellers took to social media to celebrate the new flight route, saying they were excited to be able to visit their family and friends with more ease. While others said they had their eye on a west coast holiday this summer. General manager of Mount Pleasant Wines Adrian Sparks said the new flights would only help the winery industry as well as all tour operators in the region. "Anything that can attract visitors to the Hunter Valley is worth its weight in gold," he said. He said the route would be beneficial as there were some Hunter businesses that also operated wineries in the Margaret River in Western Australia. "The more flights we can get in and out of Newcastle the better," he said. Business Hunter CEO Bob Hawes said the route helped foster the ongoing business connections with Perth. He said partnerships existed across multiple sectors including manufacturing, energy and defence. "I think it is incumbent on the rest of the visitor economy infrastructure that we have here, in and around region to take it from there and hopefully impress people," he said Chair of Newcastle Tourism Industry Group Dominic May said he hoped visitors would come and explore the region and take in the "beautiful" beaches, bays, lakes and vineyards. "I'm really excited for Hunter locals to not only explore Western Australia but to also explore the world and easily connect to Europe," he said. With direct flights from Newcastle to Perth four months away, the Newcastle Airport has announced a three-day sale on tickets. For 72 hours Novocastrians can book a flight to the West coast starting from $299 one-way. It is understood that the year-round cost of flights would sit around $400 one-way. Newcastle Airport CEO Linc Horton said the airport had been working with their counterparts in Perth for about 12 years and closely for the last five. "If you think about that price and how much it costs you just to get down to Sydney, you're avoiding all of that," Mr Horton said. "It feels like such a long time coming but to be able to say we now have a direct flight to Perth, is a great relief because it is what our region has asked for and now we've got the opportunity of delivering it," he said. On Wednesday, the Newcastle Herald reported QantasLink would offer Perth flights from September 8 and run three times a week on Fridays, Sundays and Mondays with a 150-seat Airbus A319. The five-hour flight was expected to carry 900 passengers a week and 45,000 passengers annually. In the same time period, flights from Sydney to Perth start at around $295 on average with Jetstar offering $259 tickets, Virgin Australia with $229 and Qantas with $399. Mr Horton said their plan was to hopefully expand and grow its Perth flights to potentially more days in the future. "For locals in the Hunter Region it means you can avoid the three-hour down the freeway to Sydney and you can connect if you're working in the resource industry, visiting friends and family, and other businesses and general tourism," Mr Horton. "You can fly through the network, fly to Perth and then go on a plane to Europe," he said. The CEO said tourists, businesses and workers alike would hopefully take advantage of the new flight path. Travellers took to social media to celebrate the new flight route, saying they were excited to be able to visit their family and friends with more ease. While others said they had their eye on a west coast holiday this summer. General manager of Mount Pleasant Wines Adrian Sparks said the new flights would only help the winery industry as well as all tour operators in the region. "Anything that can attract visitors to the Hunter Valley is worth its weight in gold," he said. He said the route would be beneficial as there were some Hunter businesses that also operated wineries in the Margaret River in Western Australia. "The more flights we can get in and out of Newcastle the better," he said. Business Hunter CEO Bob Hawes said the route helped foster the ongoing business connections with Perth. He said partnerships existed across multiple sectors including manufacturing, energy and defence. "I think it is incumbent on the rest of the visitor economy infrastructure that we have here, in and around region to take it from there and hopefully impress people," he said Chair of Newcastle Tourism Industry Group Dominic May said he hoped visitors would come and explore the region and take in the "beautiful" beaches, bays, lakes and vineyards. "I'm really excited for Hunter locals to not only explore Western Australia but to also explore the world and easily connect to Europe," he said.
West Australian
6 days ago
- Business
- West Australian
Qantas announces direct flights between Newcastle and Perth
Qantas has announced its first direct flights between Perth and Newcastle, cutting out a lengthy drive for travellers commuting between the cities. The New QantasLink route launching on September 8 will make it easier for Aussies looking to travel to and from the east and west coast, with flights operating three times a week on Fridays, Sundays and Mondays. The five-hour direct flight is set to save commuters time, as a flight or lengthy drive between Newcastle and Sydney will no longer be required. The route will be chartered by a 150-seat Airbus A319, meaning that 900 seats are available per week and more than 45,000 annually to and from Western Australia. Perth is the fifth most travelled-to destination for people in the Newcastle Airport catchment, and a Newcastle Airport survey in July last year revealed that an overwhelming 97 per cent of respondents said they would likely travel to Perth if direct flights were available. The new Perth service is forecast to inject about $21.7m into the Newcastle economy each year and create 74 new jobs. Newcastle Airport chief executive Linc Horton said the 'direct to Perth' service was necessary for the region. 'We've worked hard to secure this route because it's one our community and extended region needs,' Mr Horton said. 'The five-hour service saves travellers a lengthy drive to Sydney and connects Newcastle and the Greater Hunter directly with WA's resources sector, creating enormous potential for business travel and fly-in fly-out operations. 'It also brings loved ones together and unlocks international one-stop connections via Perth to cities like London, Paris, Johannesburg and seasonal to Rome. 'Western Australia is a vital part of Australia's economy, and this service gives the Hunter's businesses and workers faster, easier access to it. It also supports our strategy to strengthen the airport's role as a key economic enabler for the region. 'The benefits aren't just outbound. With direct access to the Hunter, Perth-based travellers now have easier reach to a region known for wine, coastlines, defence and energy innovation.' Port Stephens Mayor and Newcastle Airport director Leah Anderson said the region deserved direct flights to Perth. 'It's about time saved, convenience gained and opportunities unlocked. For the people of Newcastle, Port Stephens, the Greater Hunter and south through to the Central Coast, whether it's for FIFO work, family reunions or seeing more of Australia – this new route makes travel easier and more accessible,' she said. Qantas will also reinstate a direct Perth-to-Hobart service for the first time since 2023, operating three times a week most months of the year. Flights between Perth and Hobart will begin from September 26 and will be available year-round outside of May, June and August. The flights, also chartered by A319 aircraft, are available on Mondays, Fridays and Sundays and will add an additional 32,000 seats annually. The services will be available for booking on from Thursday morning, with economy launch fares starting from $299 Perth-Newcastle one-way and $299 Perth-Hobart one-way. The sale ends 11.59pm AEST on Monday, June 2, unless sold out prior. QantasLink chief executive Rachel Yangoyan said the company was proud to be supporting WA's resource and tourism sector. 'These direct services will not only boost inbound visitors to WA but offer more opportunities for those working in the resource sectors across the country with improved options for their travel,' she said.
Perth Now
6 days ago
- Business
- Perth Now
Qantas' first direct flights to Aussie capital
Qantas has announced its first direct flights between Perth and Newcastle, cutting out a lengthy drive for travellers commuting between the cities. The New QantasLink route launching on September 8 will make it easier for Aussies looking to travel to and from the east and west coast, with flights operating three times a week on Fridays, Sundays and Mondays. The five-hour direct flight is set to save commuters time, as a flight or lengthy drive between Newcastle and Sydney will no longer be required. The route will be chartered by a 150-seat Airbus A319, meaning that 900 seats are available per week and more than 45,000 annually to and from Western Australia. The new QantasLink route will launch in September. NewsWire / Christian Gilles Credit: News Corp Australia Perth is the fifth most travelled-to destination for people in the Newcastle Airport catchment, and a Newcastle Airport survey in July last year revealed that an overwhelming 97 per cent of respondents said they would likely travel to Perth if direct flights were available. The new Perth service is forecast to inject about $21.7m into the Newcastle economy each year and create 74 new jobs. Newcastle Airport chief executive Linc Horton said the 'direct to Perth' service was necessary for the region. 'We've worked hard to secure this route because it's one our community and extended region needs,' Mr Horton said. Flights will operate three times a week on Fridays, Sundays and Mondays. NewsWire / James Gourley Credit: News Corp Australia 'The five-hour service saves travellers a lengthy drive to Sydney and connects Newcastle and the Greater Hunter directly with WA's resources sector, creating enormous potential for business travel and fly-in fly-out operations. 'It also brings loved ones together and unlocks international one-stop connections via Perth to cities like London, Paris, Johannesburg and seasonal to Rome. 'Western Australia is a vital part of Australia's economy, and this service gives the Hunter's businesses and workers faster, easier access to it. It also supports our strategy to strengthen the airport's role as a key economic enabler for the region. 'The benefits aren't just outbound. With direct access to the Hunter, Perth-based travellers now have easier reach to a region known for wine, coastlines, defence and energy innovation.' Port Stephens Mayor and Newcastle Airport director Leah Anderson said the region deserved direct flights to Perth. Qantas will reinstate a direct Perth-to-Hobart service. NewsWire / Dylan Coker Credit: News Corp Australia 'It's about time saved, convenience gained and opportunities unlocked. For the people of Newcastle, Port Stephens, the Greater Hunter and south through to the Central Coast, whether it's for FIFO work, family reunions or seeing more of Australia – this new route makes travel easier and more accessible,' she said. Qantas will also reinstate a direct Perth-to-Hobart service for the first time since 2023, operating three times a week most months of the year. Flights between Perth and Hobart will begin from September 26 and will be available year-round outside of May, June and August. The services will be available for booking on from Thursday morning. NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw Credit: News Corp Australia The flights, also chartered by A319 aircraft, are available on Mondays, Fridays and Sundays and will add an additional 32,000 seats annually. The services will be available for booking on from Thursday morning, with economy launch fares starting from $299 Perth-Newcastle one-way and $299 Perth-Hobart one-way. The sale ends 11.59pm AEST on Monday, June 2, unless sold out prior. QantasLink chief executive Rachel Yangoyan said the company was proud to be supporting WA's resource and tourism sector. 'These direct services will not only boost inbound visitors to WA but offer more opportunities for those working in the resource sectors across the country with improved options for their travel,' she said.
The Advertiser
6 days ago
- Business
- The Advertiser
Going west: Newcastle's new flights the 'last piece in domestic puzzle'
Newcastle will soon have direct flights to every major Australian population centre, with QantasLink announcing a new westward corridor. From September 8, the airline will fly from Newcastle to Perth three times a week on Fridays, Sundays and Mondays with a 150-seat Airbus A319. The demand for the route has been fuelled by the business links between the two cities, which have similar economic trajectories, with large resource and energy sectors. The five-hour flight is expected to carry 900 passengers a week and 45,000 passengers annually. New Newcastle Airport CEO Linc Horton said the Perth service was a natural next step in the airport's growth. "We've worked hard to secure this route because it's one our community and extended region needs," Mr Horton said. "The five-hour service saves travellers a lengthy drive to Sydney and connects Newcastle and the Greater Hunter directly with WA's resources sector, creating enormous potential for business travel and fly-in fly-out operations." The route was secured with the help of the NSW government, which kicked in millions of dollars through its Aviation Activation Fund to entice airlines to open up new flights out of Newcastle. Jobs and Tourism Minister Steve Kamper said with the addition of the Perth route, Newcastle would soon have direct flights from all major Australian population centres. "This is the last piece in the domestic puzzle," Mr Kamper said. "These are exciting times for the visitor economy in Newcastle, the Hunter and the Mid-North Coast." Mr Horton said the new route would also unlock international one-stop connections via Perth to cities such as London, Paris, Johannesburg and Rome. "The benefits aren't just outbound," Mr Horton said. "With direct access to the Hunter, Perth-based travellers now have easier reach to a region known for wine, coastlines, defence and energy innovation." QantasLink chief executive Rachel Yangoyan pointed to the strong resource-sector business links between the two regions. "These flights will boost connectivity for Newcastle residents and mean they no longer have to drive to and from Sydney when they want to travel to Perth," Ms Yangoyan said. "We know many customers, particularly those working in the mining and resources sector, are having to do that today." Perth Airport's chief commercial and aviation officer Kate Holsgrove said the flights would be welcomed by Western Australian residents. "Newcastle is our largest domestic market unserved by a non-stop flight and there is significant demand between the two cities," she said. Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley said the new connection was "another step forward in making the Hunter not just a great place to visit, but an even better place to live", while Port Stephens MP Kate Washington called it a "game-changer for our region". Port Stephens mayor and Newcastle Airport director Leah Anderson said the route was all about "time saved, convenience gained and opportunities unlocked". "The direct flights to Perth gives our locals something they've been asking for - a way to fly west that doesn't involve traffic jams or early morning drives to Sydney," Cr Anderson said. The new route comes at a transformative time for Newcastle Airport, which is preparing to open its new international terminal in August. A Newcastle Herald investigation previously revealed the airport had been in discussions with councils to access a financial bailout of up to $40 million, and had been working to rein in spending and pay off escalating debt. The airport has repeatedly denied any financial problems. Newcastle Airport chair Jude Munro said the new route showed confidence in the airport and its future. "We sincerely thank the Qantas Group for placing their trust in Newcastle Airport, its people and our bold plans for growth," Ms Munro said. Newcastle will soon have direct flights to every major Australian population centre, with QantasLink announcing a new westward corridor. From September 8, the airline will fly from Newcastle to Perth three times a week on Fridays, Sundays and Mondays with a 150-seat Airbus A319. The demand for the route has been fuelled by the business links between the two cities, which have similar economic trajectories, with large resource and energy sectors. The five-hour flight is expected to carry 900 passengers a week and 45,000 passengers annually. New Newcastle Airport CEO Linc Horton said the Perth service was a natural next step in the airport's growth. "We've worked hard to secure this route because it's one our community and extended region needs," Mr Horton said. "The five-hour service saves travellers a lengthy drive to Sydney and connects Newcastle and the Greater Hunter directly with WA's resources sector, creating enormous potential for business travel and fly-in fly-out operations." The route was secured with the help of the NSW government, which kicked in millions of dollars through its Aviation Activation Fund to entice airlines to open up new flights out of Newcastle. Jobs and Tourism Minister Steve Kamper said with the addition of the Perth route, Newcastle would soon have direct flights from all major Australian population centres. "This is the last piece in the domestic puzzle," Mr Kamper said. "These are exciting times for the visitor economy in Newcastle, the Hunter and the Mid-North Coast." Mr Horton said the new route would also unlock international one-stop connections via Perth to cities such as London, Paris, Johannesburg and Rome. "The benefits aren't just outbound," Mr Horton said. "With direct access to the Hunter, Perth-based travellers now have easier reach to a region known for wine, coastlines, defence and energy innovation." QantasLink chief executive Rachel Yangoyan pointed to the strong resource-sector business links between the two regions. "These flights will boost connectivity for Newcastle residents and mean they no longer have to drive to and from Sydney when they want to travel to Perth," Ms Yangoyan said. "We know many customers, particularly those working in the mining and resources sector, are having to do that today." Perth Airport's chief commercial and aviation officer Kate Holsgrove said the flights would be welcomed by Western Australian residents. "Newcastle is our largest domestic market unserved by a non-stop flight and there is significant demand between the two cities," she said. Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley said the new connection was "another step forward in making the Hunter not just a great place to visit, but an even better place to live", while Port Stephens MP Kate Washington called it a "game-changer for our region". Port Stephens mayor and Newcastle Airport director Leah Anderson said the route was all about "time saved, convenience gained and opportunities unlocked". "The direct flights to Perth gives our locals something they've been asking for - a way to fly west that doesn't involve traffic jams or early morning drives to Sydney," Cr Anderson said. The new route comes at a transformative time for Newcastle Airport, which is preparing to open its new international terminal in August. A Newcastle Herald investigation previously revealed the airport had been in discussions with councils to access a financial bailout of up to $40 million, and had been working to rein in spending and pay off escalating debt. The airport has repeatedly denied any financial problems. Newcastle Airport chair Jude Munro said the new route showed confidence in the airport and its future. "We sincerely thank the Qantas Group for placing their trust in Newcastle Airport, its people and our bold plans for growth," Ms Munro said. Newcastle will soon have direct flights to every major Australian population centre, with QantasLink announcing a new westward corridor. From September 8, the airline will fly from Newcastle to Perth three times a week on Fridays, Sundays and Mondays with a 150-seat Airbus A319. The demand for the route has been fuelled by the business links between the two cities, which have similar economic trajectories, with large resource and energy sectors. The five-hour flight is expected to carry 900 passengers a week and 45,000 passengers annually. New Newcastle Airport CEO Linc Horton said the Perth service was a natural next step in the airport's growth. "We've worked hard to secure this route because it's one our community and extended region needs," Mr Horton said. "The five-hour service saves travellers a lengthy drive to Sydney and connects Newcastle and the Greater Hunter directly with WA's resources sector, creating enormous potential for business travel and fly-in fly-out operations." The route was secured with the help of the NSW government, which kicked in millions of dollars through its Aviation Activation Fund to entice airlines to open up new flights out of Newcastle. Jobs and Tourism Minister Steve Kamper said with the addition of the Perth route, Newcastle would soon have direct flights from all major Australian population centres. "This is the last piece in the domestic puzzle," Mr Kamper said. "These are exciting times for the visitor economy in Newcastle, the Hunter and the Mid-North Coast." Mr Horton said the new route would also unlock international one-stop connections via Perth to cities such as London, Paris, Johannesburg and Rome. "The benefits aren't just outbound," Mr Horton said. "With direct access to the Hunter, Perth-based travellers now have easier reach to a region known for wine, coastlines, defence and energy innovation." QantasLink chief executive Rachel Yangoyan pointed to the strong resource-sector business links between the two regions. "These flights will boost connectivity for Newcastle residents and mean they no longer have to drive to and from Sydney when they want to travel to Perth," Ms Yangoyan said. "We know many customers, particularly those working in the mining and resources sector, are having to do that today." Perth Airport's chief commercial and aviation officer Kate Holsgrove said the flights would be welcomed by Western Australian residents. "Newcastle is our largest domestic market unserved by a non-stop flight and there is significant demand between the two cities," she said. Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley said the new connection was "another step forward in making the Hunter not just a great place to visit, but an even better place to live", while Port Stephens MP Kate Washington called it a "game-changer for our region". Port Stephens mayor and Newcastle Airport director Leah Anderson said the route was all about "time saved, convenience gained and opportunities unlocked". "The direct flights to Perth gives our locals something they've been asking for - a way to fly west that doesn't involve traffic jams or early morning drives to Sydney," Cr Anderson said. The new route comes at a transformative time for Newcastle Airport, which is preparing to open its new international terminal in August. A Newcastle Herald investigation previously revealed the airport had been in discussions with councils to access a financial bailout of up to $40 million, and had been working to rein in spending and pay off escalating debt. The airport has repeatedly denied any financial problems. Newcastle Airport chair Jude Munro said the new route showed confidence in the airport and its future. "We sincerely thank the Qantas Group for placing their trust in Newcastle Airport, its people and our bold plans for growth," Ms Munro said. Newcastle will soon have direct flights to every major Australian population centre, with QantasLink announcing a new westward corridor. From September 8, the airline will fly from Newcastle to Perth three times a week on Fridays, Sundays and Mondays with a 150-seat Airbus A319. The demand for the route has been fuelled by the business links between the two cities, which have similar economic trajectories, with large resource and energy sectors. The five-hour flight is expected to carry 900 passengers a week and 45,000 passengers annually. New Newcastle Airport CEO Linc Horton said the Perth service was a natural next step in the airport's growth. "We've worked hard to secure this route because it's one our community and extended region needs," Mr Horton said. "The five-hour service saves travellers a lengthy drive to Sydney and connects Newcastle and the Greater Hunter directly with WA's resources sector, creating enormous potential for business travel and fly-in fly-out operations." The route was secured with the help of the NSW government, which kicked in millions of dollars through its Aviation Activation Fund to entice airlines to open up new flights out of Newcastle. Jobs and Tourism Minister Steve Kamper said with the addition of the Perth route, Newcastle would soon have direct flights from all major Australian population centres. "This is the last piece in the domestic puzzle," Mr Kamper said. "These are exciting times for the visitor economy in Newcastle, the Hunter and the Mid-North Coast." Mr Horton said the new route would also unlock international one-stop connections via Perth to cities such as London, Paris, Johannesburg and Rome. "The benefits aren't just outbound," Mr Horton said. "With direct access to the Hunter, Perth-based travellers now have easier reach to a region known for wine, coastlines, defence and energy innovation." QantasLink chief executive Rachel Yangoyan pointed to the strong resource-sector business links between the two regions. "These flights will boost connectivity for Newcastle residents and mean they no longer have to drive to and from Sydney when they want to travel to Perth," Ms Yangoyan said. "We know many customers, particularly those working in the mining and resources sector, are having to do that today." Perth Airport's chief commercial and aviation officer Kate Holsgrove said the flights would be welcomed by Western Australian residents. "Newcastle is our largest domestic market unserved by a non-stop flight and there is significant demand between the two cities," she said. Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley said the new connection was "another step forward in making the Hunter not just a great place to visit, but an even better place to live", while Port Stephens MP Kate Washington called it a "game-changer for our region". Port Stephens mayor and Newcastle Airport director Leah Anderson said the route was all about "time saved, convenience gained and opportunities unlocked". "The direct flights to Perth gives our locals something they've been asking for - a way to fly west that doesn't involve traffic jams or early morning drives to Sydney," Cr Anderson said. The new route comes at a transformative time for Newcastle Airport, which is preparing to open its new international terminal in August. A Newcastle Herald investigation previously revealed the airport had been in discussions with councils to access a financial bailout of up to $40 million, and had been working to rein in spending and pay off escalating debt. The airport has repeatedly denied any financial problems. Newcastle Airport chair Jude Munro said the new route showed confidence in the airport and its future. "We sincerely thank the Qantas Group for placing their trust in Newcastle Airport, its people and our bold plans for growth," Ms Munro said.
