West Australians in the South West can fly non-stop to Sydney starting this week, marking the second connecting route between the region and the east coast.
Jetstar has launched a new flight route between Sydney and Busselton Margaret River Airport as the State Government hopes more than 50,000 tourists will flock to the region per year.
After the inaugural flight jets off on Tuesday morning, days out from the Easter school holidays, three Jetstar Airbus A320 flights will leave Sydney for a five-hour trip towards Busselton Margaret River airport per week.
Flights will run every Monday, Thursday and Saturday departing Sydney airport at 11.10am EST before arriving in Busselton at 1.10pm WAST.
The return flight will run on the same days, departing Busselton at 1.55pm before arriving in Sydney at 9pm EST.
Tourism Minister Rita Saffioti said she hopes the new flight will bring more eager travellers to WA’s wine and surf region.
“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,” she said.
“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.”
Jetstar customer executive manager Jenn Armor said the new flight marks the second direct route between the eastern states and the region.
“Close to two years ago Jetstar began flying from Melbourne to Busselton Margaret River and following the success of those flights, which have carried over 100 thousand passengers so far, we’re excited to launch the only direct flights from Sydney to WA’s stunning South West,” said Ms Armor.
Regional Development Minister Don Punch said the announcement is set to boost local businesses as more people flock to the region.
“The benefits of the WA Government investment in the development of 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, Mr Punch said.
Jetstar is offering flights one-way fares of $135 from Sydney to Busselton for 12 hours following Tuesday’s announcement.
*Flights and two nights’ accommodation were supplied to The West Australian by Jetstar to assist with covering the inaugural flight on Tuesday.
Source Agencies
