Adelaide added to Launceston Airport’s network thanks to Virgin Australia

Key points:

• Virgin Australia’s inaugural Launceston-Adelaide flight takes off using a Boeing 737-800.
• Today marks the first time in more than 20 years that an airline has flown the route.
• Tourism Tasmania estimates visitors from South Australia will stay an average of around 10 nights in the state.

Non-stop flights between Launceston and Adelaide are now a reality thanks to Virgin Australia.

Flights will arrive and depart each Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday morning, with a travel time of approximately one hour and 50 minutes – making it the fastest connection to Adelaide for many Tasmanians.

Launceston Airport CEO Shane O’Hare said he was proud to deliver a new destination, particularly during a pandemic.

“Virgin Australia’s new service is a major win for travellers living in northern Tasmania; introducing a new interstate route with strong pent-up demand,” said Mr O’Hare.

“We’re confident the new flight path will help stimulate local tourism while providing significant economic support more broadly throughout the state.

“Launceston Airport is in a unique position to enable restriction-free flying while most other parts of the country remain off limits, and we can leverage our state’s clean, green image as other destinations reopen throughout the year.

“Not only does the new service open up Adelaide but it also creates easier on-going connections to other cities like Perth.

“The service comes straight off the back of Virgin increasing capacity from Launceston to Brisbane making Queensland easier to reach for Tasmanians, just in time for the September school holidays.”

Tourism Tasmania estimates that visitors from South Australia stay on average 10.4 nights (in year end to March 21), spending approximately $2 058 per person.

Virgin Australia Group Chief Strategy & Transformation Officer, Alistair Hartley said, “Virgin Australia is really proud to launch our inaugural direct Adelaide-Launceston services in time for the September school holiday period,” said Mr Hartley.

“We’re the first airline to operate the flights in more than 20 years, so it’s a great day for the regions and Virgin Australia as we plug the gap. Up to 4,200 passengers each month will benefit from the ease of the direct services, creating a gateway between some of the best food and wine, culture and natural wonders in Australia.

“To celebrate the launch, we’re giving customers until midnight this Friday to book a sale fare from just $79 that includes Velocity Frequent Flyer Points and Status Credits. Plus, to give customers added confidence we’re continuing to provide unlimited booking flexibility on all Virgin Australia flights for travel to 28 February 2022.”

Tourism Tasmania CEO John Fitzgerald said, “Tourism Tasmania is delighted that Virgin Australia has chosen to commence its new Adelaide to Launceston route now, providing a much-needed boost for tourism operators as we head towards the school holidays.”

“Our research shows that South Australians typically stay for an average of 10 nights, and there’s certainly much to explore. Launceston is a vibrant city with a thriving arts and events scene and is the gateway to icons such as Cradle Mountain, the sparkling East Coast, world-class golf courses, stunning mountain biking trails at Derby and one of Tasmania’s best wine regions.”

“We will be supporting the new route with additional marketing activity in South Australia, as we commence the next burst of our Come Down for Air campaign designed to create strong consumer awareness and understanding of what Tasmania has to offer.”