Australian regional airline Link Airways has commenced flights between Canberra and Newcastle.
The new service will utilise the airline’s 34-passenger Saab 340B Plus aircraft, with an initial four scheduled return departures per week, with the aim of growing to 11 return services per week in 2021.
Link Airways said the initial schedule will operate on Mondays and Fridays, departing Canberra at 6:30am and 4pm, and arriving in Newcastle at 7:30am and 5pm; while departures from Newcastle will leave at 8am and 5:30pm, arriving in Canberra at 9am and 6:30pm.
The airline said that with a flight time of just 60 minutes, this new service will provide passengers from Canberra and Newcastle the opportunity to spend a full business day at their destination and return home that same afternoon, while also facilitating potential for weekend stays.
Moreover, Link Airways CEO Andrew Major said that detailed research and discussions with existing clients “over several years” had identified a strong demand for flights between Canberra and Newcastle that offered business-friendly day return timings.
Newcastle Airport CEO Dr Peter Cock said: “At a time when we can see some hope on the horizon for the aviation industry, this is great news for both regions.
“Our airport is surrounded by the largest regional economy in the country with a catchment that has a high propensity to travel.
“We look forward to working with Link Airways and all of our partner airlines to rebuild connections between our region and the rest of the country in the coming weeks and months.”
One-way all-inclusive fares on Link Airways’ new Canberra-Newcastle service are current priced at $149.
Featured image source: iStock/BrendanSomerville
