Hobart officially has a new airline in town.
Rex touched down at Hobart Airport moments ago on its first commercial flight to Tasmania’s south, direct from Melbourne.
Aviation enthusiasts were among those onboard the flight, which will now run daily between the state’s capital and Melbourne.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the state government is working closely with key airlines and airports to maintain and strengthen capacity and frequency on Tasmanian routes.
“While the Australian domestic airlines are gradually building back business and operating capacity post the pandemic, Tasmania is beating the odds, because despite the industry challenges, we are on the rebound,” Rockliff said parliament this morning.
“The introduction of Rex airlines to our most important domestic connection to Melbourne is a strong tick for the Tasmanian economy and a welcome boost for competition and indeed choice as well.”
“It will bring further capacity and competitive pricing, which is great news for Tasmanians and visitors alike.”
Hobart is now the sixth capital city on Rex’s domestic network and will provide 128,000 more seats every year between Melbourne and Hobart.
Rex Deputy Chairman, the Hon John Sharp AM said forward bookings on the new route are strong, with travellers on both sides of Bass Strait ‘snapping up’ fares.
“All our flights to the weekend are practically full,” Mr Sharp said.
Tourism Tasmania’s Sarah Clark is looking forward to welcoming more visitors from to the state this spring and summer.
“Victoria is our largest visitor market, and it’s great that there is now even more opportunity to connect people and communities to Tasmania,” she said.
Alongside Hobart, Rex already operates flights to Devonport, Burnie and King Island.
