Virgin Australia will launch three new Australian domestic services in time for the summer holidays, connecting Queensland and Tasmania.
Scheduled to take off between December 9-13, 2021, the direct flights will allow more than 19,000 passengers per month to travel between Gold Coast, Cairns, Hobart and Launceston.
Seasonal services will operate between Gold Coast, Launceston and Hobart, while flights between the Gold Coast and Cairns will operate year round.
The announcement, which was made on October 12, 2021, includes the first commercial service connecting Launceston and the Gold Coast in two decades, which will operate three times per week, and allow for up to 4,224 additional passengers each month to fly directly between the two cities.
The direct flights will definitely prove to be a relief to passengers between the two cities, who ordinarily will have to transit in bigger cities like Sydney or Melbourne.
“Virgin Australia is proud to be the first airline to connect Launceston and the Gold Coast in two decades. From December up to 4,224 passengers each month can now enjoy the Gold Coast’s spectacular beaches and theme parks and visit Launceston’s lavender estate and the wine region of Tamar Valley,” Alistair Hartley, Virgin Australia Chief Strategy and Transformation officer commented in the airline’s official online statement.
“The new direct services will allow for over 19,000 extra passengers each month to connect with loved ones and visit the destinations they’ve been dreaming about this summer.”
“This increased connectivity into the Gold Coast is estimated to inject over $43 million into the local economy, which is very welcomed after a challenging 18 months for our tourism industry,” adds Patricia O’Callaghan, Destination Gold Coast CEO.
Hartey considers the Gold Coast a “big winner”, with the city expected to receive an increase of up to 9,856 extra travelers per month, which will be advantageous to hundreds of tourism operators, hospitality venues and local businesses who rely on the economic boost that tourism provides to the local community.