The Tasmanian state capital of Hobart is poised to become the Australian regional carrier Rex’s fourth Tasmanian destination.
The airline today announced that daily scheduled flights between Melbourne and Hobart will begin on 17 August.
Rex already operates regular flights to the North West Tasmanian cities of Burnie and Devonport while also flying to King Island in the Bass Strait.
Due to their location, Burnie and Devonport are typically the ‘gateway entries’ to the island state from the Australian mainland state of Victoria. The capital of Hobart lies in the far south of the island of Tasmania.
The airline’s Deputy Chairman, the Hon John Sharp AM, unveiled details of the new route in Hobart this morning.
He was joined by the Tasmanian Premier and Minister for Tourism, the Hon Jeremy Rockliff MP, the CEO of Hobart Airport, Norris Carter and Sarah Clark, CEO of Tourism Tasmania.
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Second new destination announced
Hobart becomes the second new destination announced by regional airline Rex in recent days, as it added two more Boeing 737s to its fleet. Last week the airline said that it would begin direct Adelaide-Sydney flights on 29 June.
The new wall Tasmanian flight schedule will be perfect for holiday-makers with the flights from Melbourne departing at 12.15 pm and arriving in Hobart at 1.30 pm.
The return Hobart-Melbourne service will take off at 2.15 pm and touch down in Melbourne 75 minutes later. This schedule will provide good connections for flights to and from Sydney, Adelaide and Brisbane.
A boost for Tassie tourism
“Hobart is one of the world’s greatest tourist destinations which we are delighted to add to our network,” Mr Sharp said. “Our long-standing commitment to Tasmania spans more than 40 years through our regional airline services.
“For too long, Hobart has had to endure sky-high airfares because of capacity constraints and price gouging by our competitors.”
“Our new service will provide passengers with affordable fares delivered with Rex’s trademark country hospitality and reliability.”
Premier Rockliff said the service will provide even more options for travel for both Tasmanians and visitors. “This is yet another sign of confidence in our tourism industry that has bounced back from the pandemic and is once again firing on all cylinders,” the Premier said.
“Victoria is our largest visitor market, and this gives even more options for visitors to come down to Tasmania and experience for themselves the amazing experiences we have to offer.
“Pleasingly, the new service will kick in before the busier warmer months, which will be welcome news for local businesses who will benefit from the increase in trade, as well as Tasmanians looking to head interstate.”
Airport statements
Hobart Airport CEO, Norris Carter, said he was delighted to welcome Rex to Hobart for the first time ever.
“This new service gives more choice for travellers flying between Melbourne and Hobart, and provides an additional mid-afternoon schedule option arriving into Melbourne in time for dinner.”
“Rex’s growth into Hobart is one more reason for Hobart Airport’s planned investment in expanding our terminal to support the growth of Tasmania’s tourism industry. We look forward to the arrival of Rex’s first flight on 17 August,” Mr Carter said.
Melbourne Airport CEO, Lorie Argus, said she was pleased to see Rex adding another capital city connection from Melbourne.
“Melbourne Airport is proud to be the largest hub on Rex’s jet network and we are excited to have Hobart added to the list of destinations.”
“Extra competition is great news for travellers and Melbourne Airport is investing in infrastructure such as the third runway to ensure new entrants such as Rex are able to grow.”
