Virgin announce the first regular direct flights between Launceston and Adelaide in 90 years

Launceston Airport chief executive Shane O'Hare said the direct flights represented the opening of a new market that would provide more freedom for Tasmanians travelling to the mainland, while promoting growth and tourism in the North.

"The market size is about 60,000 passengers a year between here and in Adelaide so it allows much better business opportunities for business people travelling between the states, to visit family and relatives, and it supports the tourism industry here and helps the state grow," he said.

READ MORE: Child's death at Burnie hospital 'entirely avoidable'

Tourism North Tasmania chief executive Chris Griffin said the route was a new opportunity to unlock the potential of the South Australian market.

"Direct flights from Adelaide mean those visitors coming to Tasmania for a holiday will likely spend more time in our region before travelling further through the state," he said.

The Adelaide flights are the latest change to benefit the residents in the North after Virgin Australia announced last week that flights between Launceston and Brisbane would become a daily route.

READ MORE: Neill-Fraser witch-hunt must finish now

Mr O'Hare said the change, driven by demand on both ends, would see an additional 60,000 passengers pass through the airport annually.

"It's an additional three flights a week between Brisbane and Launnie and that's because there's very high demand, partially because the borders are open now," he said.

"There's very good traffic flow between Tasmania and Brisbane.

"It's a link, it's a good hub to the Northern Territory which is open as well for transit passengers."

READ MORE: Why this business owner joins call for vaccine passports

Mr O'Hare said the Launceston Airport had been proactive in petitioning the airlines to open up direct routes between the north and other viable locations on the mainland - including Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth

"We've approached them on a range of things including the daily Brisbanes and other opportunities, so the airport has really pushed this agenda with those airlines," he said.

READ MORE: How prepared is Tasmania's health system for Delta arrival?

Mr Griffin said Western Australia was an untapped market for Tasmania and linked it to New Zealand before direct flights were secured.

"As the country progressively comes out of lock-down, direct flights into Tasmania from as many of our interstate markets will be essential," he said.

Mr O'Hare said with proximity to the mainland, a growing population and some of the best wine and whisky destinations in the country increasing the number of direct flights to Launceston was a no brainer.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:

Follow us on Google News: The Examiner