Qantas announces direct flights between Newcastle | Australian Markets

Qantas has introduced its first direct flights between Perth and Newcastle, slicing out a prolonged drive for travellers commuting between the cities.

The New QantasHyperlink route launching on September 8 will make it simpler for Aussies trying to journey to and from the east and west coast, with flights working thrice a week on Fridays, Sundays and Mondays.

The five-hour direct flight is set to save lots of commuters time, as a flight or prolonged drive between Newcastle and Sydney will no longer be required.

The route will probably be chartered by a 150-seat Airbus A319, which means that 900 seats can be found per week and more than 45,000 yearly to and from Western Australia.

Perth is the fifth most travelled-to vacation spot for people within the Newcastle Airport catchment, and a Newcastle Airport survey in July final yr revealed that an overwhelming 97 per cent of respondents mentioned they’d probably journey to Perth if direct flights have been obtainable.

The new Perth service is forecast to inject about $21.7m into the Newcastle financial system every year and create 74 new jobs.

Newcastle Airport chief govt Linc Horton mentioned the “direct to Perth” service was obligatory for the area.

“We’ve worked hard to secure this route because it’s one our community and extended region needs,” Mr Horton mentioned.

“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 mentioned the area 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 mentioned.

Qantas may even reinstate a direct Perth-to-Hobart service for the primary time since 2023, working thrice a week most months of the yr.

Flights between Perth and Hobart will start from September 26 and will probably be obtainable year-round outdoors of May, June and August.

The flights, additionally chartered by A319 plane, can be found on Mondays, Fridays and Sundays and can add an extra 32,000 seats yearly.

The providers will probably be obtainable for reserving on qantas.com from Thursday morning, with financial system launch fares ranging from $299 Perth-Newcastle one-way and $299 Perth-Hobart one-way. The sale ends 11.59pm AEST on Monday, June 2, until bought out prior.

QantasHyperlink chief govt Rachel Yangoyan mentioned the company was proud to be supporting WA’s useful 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 mentioned.