Launceston Airport will have a new year-round connection to the nation's capital with Link Airways today announcing it will commence services to Canberra this year.
The new year-round service will operate four times a week to Canberra using the airline’s SAAB340B aircraft, with the first flight scheduled to take off on the 6th of May.
It will be the first time Link Airways has flown out of Launceston, with the regional carrier currently operating more than 250 flights a week to 16 destinations around Australia.
Passengers can earn Velocity Frequent Flyer Points* under the award-winning Velocity Frequent Flyer program when they travel.
The new service was enabled by the Tasmanian Government’s Aviation Attraction Fund in partnership with Launceston and Canberra Airports.
Launceston Airport CEO Katie Cooper said it was exciting to welcome a fifth carrier.
"We’re proud to welcome Link Airways to Launceston and in doing so provide our passengers and exporters with another direct link to the mainland," she said.
"Whether it be a direct school trip to Canberra or a hiking holiday of a lifetime, this service will be popular with travellers from both Launceston and Canberra.
"Starting with a year-round four day a week service shows the level of commitment that Link has to the Launceston market.
"I'd like to thank the state government for its support in bringing this service to Launceston, which will help bring hundreds of extra visitors to our state each week, supporting Tasmania’s world-class tourism, dining and hospitality venues."
Jeff Boyd, Manager of Network Strategy at Link Airways said the new service would deliver benefits to both Launceston and Canberra.
“We are very pleased to announce the establishment of direct flights for passengers wanting to travel to Launceston and Northern Tasmania, and Tasmanians to visit the National Capital,” he said.
“It strengthens connectivity between the two regions and benefits business, government and leisure travellers alike. It also creates new convenient connections for travellers through Link Airway’s codeshare partnership with Virgin Australia, providing great connectivity thanks to Virgin Australia's expansive route network.”
For further information contact: Launceston Airport Media on (03) 9335 3666
* T&Cs apply, to find out more visit www.linkairways.com/book/velocity-frequent-flyer