Adelaide route gets flying start

THE State Government is hoping direct Jetstar flights between Adelaide and Hobart will bring more local and international visitors from South Australia to Tasmania.

The first flight landed in Hobart last night, and more than 15,000 people have already purchased tickets to travel on the direct route.

It is the only direct flight between the two capitals and will operate three times a week.

It can take up to six hours to travel between the two cities on existing services that transit through Melbourne or Sydney. The new direct service will cut that travel time to just two hours.

Liberal MP Nic Street said about 5 per cent of all interstate visitors to Tasmania were from South Australia.

“The Hodgman Government is committed to working with Jetstar to help grow this figure,” he said.

“Importantly, this new link will improve access to Tasmania for international visitors, with overseas visitors now able to connect directly with Tasmania via Adelaide.”

Jetstar estimates up to 55,000 customers a year will take advantage of the route.