Japan and Western Australia will once again be connected by a direct air service, with All Nippon Airways (ANA) today announcing it will commence a Tokyo-Perth service from September 1, 2019.
ANA will operate the Boeing Dreamliner 787 service seven times a week between Perth Airport and Narita International Airport, Tokyo.
The deal was secured after Tourism Minister Paul Papalia, together with representatives from Tourism WA, Tourism Australia and Perth Airport, travelled to Japan late last year to pitch for a direct flight.
Following the initial meeting, the State Government hosted ANA executives in Perth in August this year in an extra bid to reach this important agreement.
Japan is currently WA’s ninth biggest market in terms of visitors, with the State attracting 28,700 Japanese visitors in 2017-18. Those visitors spent $60 million during their stay in WA, making Japan the 11th largest market in terms of spend.
Over three years it is estimated the flights will bring about 76,000 new visitors from Japan to Perth, providing a $175 million boost to the State’s economy and creating hundreds of new jobs.
The increase in the number of Japanese people flying into Perth for a holiday, to see family and friends or for business will also help fill the State’s hotels, restaurants, bars and cafes.
As stated by Tourism Minister Paul Papalia:
“We launched a Two-Year Action Plan earlier this year which outlined how Perth would become the western gateway to Australia to grow visitor numbers, diversify the economy and create jobs.
“An important part of the plan is increasing aviation access into the State, particularly from markets such as Japan which hasn’t had a direct air service to Perth since 2011.
“Securing a direct air link between Perth and Tokyo is a massive win for the State, which will bring more Japanese visitors to WA and help us grow this important market.
“Perth boasts the best hotels in Australia, with more than 3,000 new rooms opening in the past few years. It is also the perfect launching pad for Japanese visitors to explore our spectacular regions.
“Congratulations to all parties for reaching this important agreement and connecting our extraordinary State to Japan with a direct flight.
“I look forward to welcoming the inaugural ANA flight to Perth in September 2019.”
