Virgin Australia will provide the only nonstop link between Western Australia and Tasmania from September when it commences Perth-Hobart flights.
The three times weekly service with Boeing 737-800s will start on September 17 2018 and run on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Virgin Australia general manager for network, revenue and alliances Russell Shaw launched the new route at Hobart Airport on Wednesday alongside Tasmanian Premier Will Hodgman and the chief executive of Tasmania Tourism John Fitzgerald.
“Virgin Australia is proud to deliver a faster, more convenient and affordable way to travel between Hobart and Perth,” Shaw said in a statement.
Currently, those travelling between Hobart and Perth usually connect via Melbourne or Sydney.
Perth will be Virgin Australia’s fourth nonstop route from Hobart alongside service to Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.
It will operate as an afternoon departure from Hobart on Fridays and an evening departure on Mondays and Wednesdays. From Perth, the Friday flight takes off in the early morning and departs at lunchtime on Mondays and Wednesdays.
Virgin Australia’s 737-800s are configured to carry 176 people comprising eight business class seats, 30 extra legroom Economy X seats and 138 economy seats.
Premier Hodgman said the service would help boost tourism to Tasmania.
“The Tasmanian Government warmly welcomes this new service which will increase the opportunity for people to experience Tasmania’s unrivalled natural environment, world class produce and events,” Hodgman said.
In addition to the start of Perth-Hobart flights, Virgin Australia said it had also recently added extra nonstop flights from Hobart to Brisbane and Sydney, as well as a seasonal flight between Brisbane and Launceston.
Perth Airport chief corporate service officer Debra Blaskett said the new nonstop flight would cut travel times by at least an hour.
And Hobart Airport chief executive Sarah Renner added: “The new path has the potential to grow tourism visitation to both states and allow easier access for business travellers and those visiting friends and relatives.”
Flight schedule for new Perth-Hobart route September 17 2018-October 27 2018
Flight Number/Routing |
Days of operation |
Time of departure |
Time of arrival |
|
VA593 HBA-PER |
Friday |
14:20 |
16:50 |
|
VA595 HBA-PER |
Monday, Wednesday |
18:40 |
21:10 |
|
VA592 PER-HBA |
Friday |
07:15 |
13:40 |
|
VA594 PER-HBA |
Monday, Wednesday |
11:30 |
17:55 |
There will be some slight time changes from October 28 to account for daylight savings.
