It’s been described as a defining moment for the Hunter.
Newcastle Airport will host its first-ever direct flights to Perth, with QantasLink services launching from Monday 8 September.
The route is expected to operate three times a week on Fridays, Sundays and Mondays with a 150-seat Airbus A319, bringing 900 weekly seats and more than 45,000 annually to and from Western Australia.
Backed by the NSW Government’s Aviation Attraction Fund (AAF), the new service comes at a transformational time for the Williamtown precinct, which will open its international terminal later this year.
Newcastle Airport CEO Linc Horton said the “direct to Perth” pathway was a natural next step in the premises’ ongoing growth.
“We’ve worked hard to secure this route because it’s one our community and extended region needs,” he explained.
“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.
“So, 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.”
QantasLink CEO Rachel Yangoyan said the company was proud to be the first airline to offer a direct air link between the two cities.
“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,” she added.
“We know many customers, particularly those working in the mining and resources sector, are having to do that today.”
Perth is the fifth most travelled-to destination for people in the Newcastle Airport catchment.
Customer demand for this route has been clear, with a survey in July last year drawing more than 5,000 responses in a single day.
An overwhelming 97% of respondents said they would likely travel to Perth if direct flights were available… and now they can.
The new service is forecast to inject about $21.7 million into the local economy each year and create 74 jobs.
Port Stephens mayor and Newcastle Airport director Leah Anderson welcome the announcement.
“It 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,” she said.
“It’s about time saved, convenience gained and opportunities unlocked.
“For the people of Newcastle, Port Stephens, the Hunter and south through to the Central Coast, whether it’s for FIFO work, family reunions or seeing more of Australia, this route makes travel easier and more accessible.
“It’s another strong step forward in Newcastle Airport’s commitment to being the airport our region deserves.”
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