The Northern Territory Government’s ‘Aviation Attraction Scheme’ is reaching new heights, with one new airline touching down in Alice Springs today, while another expands its network in the Top End.
Australia’s newest budget airline, Bonza, landed in Alice Springs for the first time today and is set to provide Territorians with more choice and more competitive fares when planning their next trip to Melbourne.
The Territory Government also announced today that Airnorth will provide their first ever route from Alice Springs to Perth.
Commencing on 25 March 2024, just in time for Easter and school holidays, the flight will operate three times a week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, with tickets going online from today.
It is the first time since June 2022 that Alice Springs will be connected with a non-stop air service to Perth – previously operated by Qantas, said Chief Minister, Natasha Fyles.
“Accessible and affordable air services is a key priority for the Territory Labor Government,” the Chief Minister said.
“Residents of Alice Springs now have more affordable flight options. We’re working closely with airlines and airports to ensure Territorians are getting a fair deal, and today we’re going further.
“The best way to make sure airlines do the right thing by Territorians is to increase competition in the Territory.”
She said today’s announcements were a direct result of the recently launched Territory Aviation Attraction Scheme; which was specifically designed to improve aviation access and connectivity to the Northern Territory.
“Together with the support of the Northern Territory Government’s Territory Aviation Attraction Scheme (TAAS), we are happy to have secured more services to Alice Springs and reconnect central Australia to the west coast for the first time in many years,” said Airport Development Group CEO, Tony Edmondstone.
“We are pleased to welcome Airnorth to the red centre as it grows its services across the Territory and the west.
“Airport Development Group has a long-term vision for the Territory tourism industry and this is another significant step forward in pushing Central Australia forward as a key destination for travellers.
“We are very excited and confident about the future of the Territory and these new services will help to create positive flow on effects for the whole economy, improving access and liveability for all Territorians,” he said.
