Tasmanians may soon be able to fly nonstop to two of the world’s most exciting cities, with Tasmania’s Premier announcing that the state is in discussions with Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific about direct Hobart services.
Nonstop Singapore and Hong Kong flights would be possible thanks to Hobart Airport’s $130 million runway upgrade, expected to be completed in mid-2025.
The upgrade would allow the Tassie hub to accommodate larger, long-range aircraft like the B787 and A350.
“Big news! Direct flights between Tasmania and Asia are on the horizon!” Premier Jeremy Rockliff said on his social media platforms this week.
“With the upgrades at Hobart Airport, we are working to lock in direct flight routes between Hobart and Asia.
“We’re currently in talks with both Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific to make that dream a reality, and establish direct routes to some very exciting locations in Asia.”
In a video message, he also put the question of overseas flights to Tasmanians.
“If you could fly anywhere in the world from right here in Tasmania, where would you go?” he asked.
“With upgrades at Hobart Airport, we’re soon going to be able to fly to and from cities in Asia.
“Just like those direct flights to New Zealand, it’ll mean less of those pesky stops in Melbourne.
“We’ve been working on securing new flight routes, so let me know where you’d like to fly?”
Cathay Pacific told Karryon that there are currently “conversations” happening between the airline and the Tasmanian Government, but nothing has been confirmed. They added that “there’s no timelime that we’re currently working to”.
In an email to Karryon, a Singapore Airlines spokesperson could only say that SIA “regularly reviews our network and the destinations that we fly to”.
“Should there be any new additions to our network, we will announce them publicly at the appropriate time,” they added.
Despite discussions still being in the early stages, the prospect of nonstop flights between Tasmania and Asia is exciting – for outbound travel and indeed local tourism.
Singaporean travel agents told The Straits Times, that Tasmania could be a big draw for travellers looking for different destinations in Australia – assuming the price is right.
However, given the relatively small size of the Tassie outbound market, it’s difficult to say what the scheduling would look like – or even whether Singapore Airlines or its low-cost subsidiary Scoot would fly there. With limited premium and business travel opportunities, it could certainly be the latter.
According to The Mercury, Tasmanian authorities said the new overseas ports could help boost Tassie tourism by around $122 million per year.
“This is exciting, because what it does is again drive visitation and international tourist visitors coming to Tasmania last year generated over half a billion dollars in our economy. When you bring in visitors to Tasmania, they spend money,” the Premier said.
“They’re supporting our restaurants, local pubs and clubs, our accommodation, our hotels, and that dollar is circulated across our community, employing many, many thousands of people.
“In fact, one in eight Tasmanians are supported through the tourism, hospitality sector, which is why we do need to continue driving investment, driving visitation and opening up new routes to come to Tasmania.”
Hobart International Airport CEO Norris Carter said the Tassie gateway was “very excited about the international opportunity”, flagging the return of Air New Zealand flights last month and their already “strong load factors”.
“And of course, we were with the Premier in Hong Kong recently for his discussions with Cathay Pacific,” he added.
“Those discussions will take a while, but they’re very positive to start with. We’re very excited by the opportunity that presents.”
New nonstop flights would also mean travellers from Europe could also connect to Tasmania with just one stop.
Air New Zealand began seasonal direct flights between Hobart and Auckland on 27 October.
This year, Qantas also revealed plans to open a new Qantas Club Lounge at Hobart Airport, giving Tasmanian travellers wanting that extra bit of comfort something to look forward to.