Territorians now have more choice and connectivity with Airnorth’s inaugural Alice Springs to Perth flight taking off today.
This is the first time since June 2022 there is a direct airline service between Alice Springs and Perth, providing a convenient non-stop option for Alice Springs residents travelling to Perth with the flights operating three times a week.
With this new service Alice Springs residents will also have access to a one-stop travel option to a range of international cities including London, Rome and Paris while also opening access to international visitors using Perth as a hub and wanting to travel to the iconic Red Centre.
Airnorth’s flights commenced just in time for the Easter break and school holidays, giving Centralians more choice and providing a boost to the visitor economy as we head into the peak tourist season.
Today’s milestone is a direct result of the Territory Aviation Attraction Scheme (TAAS), a Territory Labor Government initiative to improve aviation access and connectivity to the Territory.
This new route was achieved in partnership with the Airport Development Group with the TAAS securing three airlines and six new routes for the Territory since it was launched in July 2023.
Developing ongoing aviation access to and within the Territory is one of the six key priorities in the NT’s Tourism Industry Strategy 2030.
Today’s flight comes on the back of several recent positive aviation announcements for Central Australia, including Bonza Airlines new route between Melbourne and Alice Springs and Virgin Australia’s new routes from Melbourne and Brisbane to Yulara.
Uluru is a must-do destination and these new flights will make it easier for Australian and international tourists to visit the region which supports Central Australia’s tourism growth, boosts jobs and generates new visitor expenditure
More flights to the Territory creates work for Territorians, increases visitor numbers, and improves consumer choice and airfare competition. Ongoing aviation access to and within the Territory is one of the six key priorities in the NT’s Tourism Industry Strategy 2030.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Joel Bowden:
“It’s wonderful to welcome the first passengers arriving in Alice Springs from Perth today, Airnorth provides an integral service for Territorians and we’re thrilled to see their routes expanding in the NT.
“The Territory Labor Government is proud of the success of the Territory Aviation Attraction Scheme, which has been instrumental in securing new routes and increasing capacity to Alice Springs, Ayers Rock and Darwin airports.
“Aviation access is an important part of the Territory economy and the TAAS is helping to make this a reality with our airport partners including Airport Development Group and Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia key in achieving this additional capacity for the Territory.”
Quotes attributable to Airport Development Group (ADG) Executive General Manager Airports Rob Porter:
“This is fantastic news for Alice Springs Airport and the local community. Together with the support of the Northern Territory Government’s Territory Aviation Attraction Scheme (TAAS), we are happy to have secured more services to Alice Springs reconnecting Central Australia to the West Coast.
“Airport Development Group has a long-term vision for the Territory tourism industry and this is another significant step forward in pushing Central Australia forward as a key destination for travellers.
“We are very excited and confident about the future of the Territory and these new services will help to create positive flow on effects for the whole economy, improving access and liveability for all Territorians.”
