- Inaugural direct flight between Sydney
and Busselton launches today
- New service to boost tourism from the east
coast to Western Australia's South West
- Jetstar's three-times-weekly service
will bring more than 28,000 additional inbound seats to the State
- Supported by the Western Australian
Government
Jetstar's
inaugural direct flight between Sydney and Busselton is touching down today,
marking a pivotal moment for Australia's South West tourism industry.
Following
the successful launch of a new direct flight between Melbourne and Busselton in
2022, the Sydney direct route will bring an additional 28,000 inbound seats to
the South West annually and unlock new opportunities for investment and job creation.
Operating
three times weekly, the new Jetstar Airbus A320 flight will significantly
reduce travel time for Sydneysiders to reach Busselton, the Margaret River region
and surrounding areas, with the five-hour non-stop service two hours faster
than the indirect route via Melbourne.
The reduced
travel time presents an opportunity for more visitors from the east coast to
conveniently access the South West region directly, and to explore its gourmet
food offerings, premium wine regions, world-class surfing spots, and majestic
forests.
Busselton and the Margaret River region are premier
destinations for eco-tourism and premium experiences, boasting a diverse range
of new hospitality options, including five-star restaurants and accommodation
like the new Busselton Pavilion, which opened in January 2024, and the Hilton
Garden Inn, which opened its doors in December 2023.
In year
ending September 2023, there were 3.4 million overnight visitors to Australia's
South West, with the City of Busselton and Shire of Augusta Margaret River the
region's most popular destinations.
The launch
follows Airnorth's inaugural direct service that took off yesterday between
Alice Springs and Perth.
The
Darwin-based airline will operate three services per week on Mondays,
Wednesdays, and Fridays on their E170 aircraft. The new flight will add nearly
12,000 extra inbound seats into Western Australia each year, further boosting
the State's domestic aviation network and creating more opportunities for Western
Australia to be included in national travel itineraries.
Both
services have been supported by the WA Government's $75 million Aviation
Recovery Fund.
For more
information on the new Sydney to Busselton route, visit jetstar.com/au.
Comments attributed to Tourism Minister Rita Saffioti:
"These
flights are a game changer for WA's South West tourism industry.
"With 95 per
cent of visitors to Western Australia arriving by air, the State's visitor
economy relies heavily on air travel, especially in the regions.
"Supporting
more direct connections from domestic and international locations is a key
priority for the WA Government and we will continue to encourage more airlines
to secure non-stop and direct connections into WA's regions.
"The WA
Government has worked tirelessly since the pandemic to increase aviation
connections and reduce cost of air travel into the regions through the $75
million Aviation Recovery Fund, and we are continuously providing subsidised
airfares to encourage travel to WA's spectacular regions.
"I encourage
travellers from the eastern states to book a trip on this convenient new flight
to come and explore our breathtaking South West region, which offers culinary
coastal adventures, world-class wine, pristine beaches, and towering timber
forests."
Comments attributed to Regional Development
Minister Don Punch:
"The South West has another reason to celebrate today - the
commencement of the second direct commercial route between the region and the east
coast of Australia.
"The new Jetstar route between Busselton and Sydney further opens
up the tourism potential of the region, benefiting local tourism operators and
businesses.
"The benefits of the State Government's investment into the airport
continues to flow on to locals, and we are working with the City of Busselton
and other stakeholders on the business case for further development of this
regional asset."
Comments attributed to Warren-Blackwood MLA
Jane Kelsbie:
"Our
beautiful South West region attracts tourists from far and wide to see our
incredible beaches, forests and caves, as well as our award-winning wineries
and culinary experiences.
"Today's
announcement makes it all the more easy for our friends in the eastern states
to experience the world-class tourist attractions in the South West, and we're
really excited to welcome the first visitors from today's flight to our
region."
