Peter Gutwein,Premier & Minister for Tourism
New regular passenger flights between Hobart and two Bass Strait islands will commence from 30th September 2020, giving more Tasmanians the ability to explore these unique parts of our state.
For the first time there will be direct regular passenger transport flights between Hobart and both the Islands with Sharp Airlines operating three services per week between Hobart and both Flinders and King Islands.
The direct flights will operate on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays to provide a range of travel options for holiday packages on the islands.
The agreement with Sharp Airlines will see Government underwriting the services for a period of four months, until the end of January. Based on a 50% take up over this period, the underwritten cost is $225,000.
This trial period gives Tasmanians the opportunity to support the service and will determine its future viability and the commitment of the airline to sustain the service.
Both Councils will contribute to this arrangement by waiving all charges and fees for the services at their airports.
Importantly, Tasmanians are able to use their travel vouchers to explore the Islands with Tourism Tasmania working with industry to ensure that the products on both islands are highlighted to visitors.
From the end of September, Tasmanians will be able to easily travel to King Island and enjoy some of the nation’s finest produce or possibly play on two of the world’s leading golf courses – Cape Wickham and Ocean Dunes.
Likewise they will be able to travel to and from Flinders Island which provides one of the most idyllic island experiences in the world with its pristine beautiful surroundings, excellent bushwalking and beautiful secluded beaches.
We know access is critical to healthy communities and economies and we are pleased to facilitate this opportunity to these incredibly important Tasmanian communities.
