Hunter community board first direct Newcastle–Perth service today

Newcastle Airport’s first direct flight to Perth took off today, ending the need for Hunter travellers to drive to Sydney for westbound journeys and in doing so, helping deliver on the NSW Government’s recently announced Visitor Economy Strategy 2035, which commits to improving access to and from regional NSW.

The three-times weekly service, operated by a 150-seat QantasLink Airbus A319, contributes to the delivery of extra aviation capacity the Strategy calls for while making travel easier and faster for the Hunter. The route supports the region’s FIFO workforce with flights timed to align with common crew-change days, creates more convenient options for family and leisure travel and opens up one-stop international connections via Perth to destinations across Europe, Asia and South Africa.

Newcastle Airport CEO Linc Horton said securing direct services to Perth has been a long-term goal because it not only delivers an important service the Hunter community has been asking for, but also directly advances the Visitor Economy Strategy 2035 by expanding aviation access, injecting $21.7 million into the regional economy each year and creating 74 new local jobs.

“Locals and businesses have been telling us for years they wanted this connection and with the NSW Government’s Aviation Attraction fund behind us, our team was able to turn that demand into reality,” Mr Horton said. “This is about listening to our region and working with government and airline partners to deliver the connections people need.”

“The new direct to Perth service demonstrates how our new terminal will connect our 1.4 million-strong catchment with more destinations, more easily and will play a key role in delivering on the Strategy's ambitious targets, especially the 8.5 million new airline seats and $91 billion visitor spend by 2035. Early sales for the Newcastle to Perth route are performing well and I’m confident that Newcastle Airport could grow the Qantas service beyond three flights per week.”

NSW Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said in our recently launched Visitor Economy Strategy 2035, we set a bold new target of $91 billion in annual visitor expenditure for NSW by 2035. To achieve this, we need to unlock additional airline seats and this brand-new route from Perth to Newcastle delivers just that. 

“The NSW Government was proud to work with Newcastle Airport and Qantas to secure this route through the Aviation Attraction Fund and the new connection to the west coast opens the door for more people to discover Newcastle and the Hunter. 

“This is a transformational time for Newcastle Airport, the region and the whole state, and I’m excited for our communities to experience the economic and social benefits of increased visitation.”  

WA Tourism Minister Reece Whitby said the route not only improves connectivity between the east and west coasts but also supports the WA tourism and hospitality sectors. “This new service is another exciting step forward in strengthening Western Australia’s domestic aviation network and opening new opportunities for travellers to experience our incredible state,” Mr Whitby said.

“By strengthening direct aviation connections, we’re making it easier for Australians to experience everything WA has to offer - from our vibrant capital city to our world-class regional destinations. These efforts are vital to supporting tourism, creating jobs, and driving economic growth across the state.”

QantasLink CEO Rachel Yangoyan said our new services will deliver a real boost in connectivity for Newcastle residents and the mining and resource sectors by offering a more direct option for east-west travel without the need to transit via Sydney. “These flights will provide over 45,000 seats between Newcastle and Perth annually with connections on to Qantas’ extensive domestic and international networks, including new one-stop options for Newcastle residents to London and Paris via Perth, Ms Yangoyan said.

Newcastle Airport Chair Jude Munro AO said a key focus of the Board was to drive regional economic growth and connectivity and thanked the Qantas Group for their confidence in the airport and in the region’s appetite for Perth-bound travel. 

“I would also like to thank the NSW Government for aligning with our push to increase regional connectivity via their Aviation Attraction Fund, which plays a critical role in unlocking new connections with airlines for our region to enjoy,” Ms Munro said. 

Port Stephens Mayor (and Newcastle Airport Director) Leah Anderson said the launch of direct flights to Perth is a true game changer for the Hunter Region. “It's a direct connection to Western Australia's huge mining and resources industry, which means new opportunities for business, jobs and investment right here in the Hunter, Ms Anderson said.
 
“Plus, it’s a huge win for our tourism industry with more people from WA being able to fly straight into Newcastle to experience everything our region has to offer, from our amazing wine country to our beautiful coastline.
 
“For Port Stephens, this means more visitors enjoying our stunning beaches and natural beauty, which creates more business for everyone who relies on tourism. This kind of boost to our local economy is exactly what the NSW Government wants to achieve by supporting smarter air travel and helping our region grow.
 
“It's a huge step forward for the Hunter, giving our community the kind of travel options they've been waiting for."

Visit www.newcastleairport.com.au for flight information on this exciting new Perth connection and to make a booking. A range of affordable and convenient parking options are also available. And for Hunter locals wanting to add a bit of joy to their trip, Rottnest Island is just a ferry ride away…home to the quokka, the world’s happiest (and most photogenic) selfie partner.