Launceston is the gateway to Tasmania. Photo: Discover Tasmania.
Canberrans will soon be able to travel to northern Tasmania in under two hours when the only direct service to Launceston from Canberra Airport takes to the skies from May.
Operated by Canberra-based Link Airways on its Saab 340B Plus aircraft, the first flight will be on Wednesday, 6 May, with a schedule of four return services per week on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, starting at $339 one-way.
Flights will depart Canberra at 11.30 am and arrive in Launceston at 1:20 pm, and the return service will depart Launceston at 1:50 pm, arriving in Canberra at 3:35 pm.
The new flights to Launceston will give Canberrans direct access to northern Tasmania’s famous national parks, Tamar Valley wineries, foodie destinations and other attractions.
The Saab 340B Plus turboprop aircraft seats 34 passengers and has full in-flight cabin service. The standard in-flight offering includes hot and cold beverages and premium snacks, with complimentary beer/wine available on all afternoon and evening services.
Manager of Network Strategy at Link Airways, Jeff Boyd, said the new route would strengthen connectivity between the two regions and benefit business, government and leisure travellers alike.
“It also creates new convenient connections for travellers through Link Airway’s codeshare partnership with Virgin Australia, providing great connectivity thanks to Virgin Australia’s expansive route network,” he said.
Chief Minister Andrew Barr said Launceston was a welcome addition to Canberra Airport’s domestic network.
“Directly connecting the two cities makes it cheaper and easier to visit Canberra,” he said.
The 34-passenger-seat Saab 340B Plus aircraft will service the Canberra-Launceston route. Photo: Link Airways
Canberra Airport Head of Aviation Michael Thomson highlighted the strategic importance of the new service.
“This route opens new opportunities for travellers from both regions, whether it’s accessing the pristine north of Tasmania or exploring all that Canberra has to offer,” he said.
“We are also excited that this becomes our 12th domestic destination, meaning Canberrans have never been more connected.
“This supports our long-term vision to grow domestic travel opportunities and better serve the Nation’s Capital.”
Launceston Airport CEO Katie Cooper said the new service would provide Tasmanian passengers with another direct link to the mainland,” she said.
“Whether it be a direct school trip to Canberra or a hiking holiday of a lifetime, this service will be popular with travellers from both Launceston and Canberra,” she said.
The new route has been established with the support of the Tasmanian Government’s Aviation Attraction Fund in partnership with Canberra and Launceston Airports.
“I’d like to thank the state government for its support in attracting this service to Launceston, which will deliver tens of millions of dollars to the local economy in visitor spend,” Ms Cooper said.
As part of the Virgin Australia partnership, passengers can earn Velocity Frequent Flyer Points when they travel, and Link Airways can provide complimentary pre-departure Virgin Australia Lounge access at Canberra Airport for customers travelling on Flexible and Freedom fares.
The new route will complement Link’s direct service to Hobart, which operates six days a week.
The announcement follows Fly Pelican pausing its service from Canberra to Avalon Airport near Geelong after only five months.
