Townsville Bulletin

Tigerair a $ 12.5m boost

- BETTINA WARBURTON bettina. warburton@ news. com. au

TIGERAIR’S arrival today in Townsville has been hailed a massive victory, with the new flights expected to inject an annual $ 12.5 million into the city’s economy.

The first Tigerair direct service between Melbourne and Townsville is expected at 11.15am. Tigerair is offering the return service four times a week – Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays.

Tigerair Australia head of communicat­ions Vanessa Regan said the airline was thrilled by the way Townsville had embraced Tigerair since the new services were announced earlier in the year.

“As the only low- cost carrier providing direct daytime flights between Melbourne and Townsville, we are confident these services will prove particular­ly popular with our core market of budget and leisure travellers,” she said.

“Early indication­s are cer- tainly pleasing with our inaugural services fully booked. “

Ms Regan said the influx of almost 75,000 additional passenger seats through Townsville Airport each year would provide a welcome economic and tourism boost.

“The local support we’ve received from our tourism and airport partners in Townsville has been first class and we look forward to working with them to stimulate travel to the region by promoting the many tourism drawcards of Townsville to the Melbourne market,” she said.

Townsville Airport chief operating officer Kevin Gill said Tigerair’s entry into the Townsville market was reflective of the region’s increasing desirabili­ty as a destinatio­n.

“This is great news from both an inbound and outbound perspectiv­e, which will particular­ly benefit the leisure market,” he said.

“We look forward to showcasing our vibrant region to Victorians feeling winter’s chill at the moment.

“The new route is a clear demonstrat­ion of our commitment to strengthen our dom- WHO said you can’t horse new tricks?

Shetland pony Lance Corporal Septimus “Seppie” Quintus, the official mascot of the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, has recently ventured from the gates of his stable at Lavarack Barracks to undergo some intensive battle horse training.

Seppie, about seven years old, and his handler Private Tyler Hine have been working together for about a month, and recently under the guidance of Greg Cook Horsemansh­ip.

Yesterday Seppie performed one of his new tricks in front of more than 600 people and earned himself a Cross Rifles badge, an honour given to the best shooters in the Army.

Pte Hine said he was proud to see his four- legged comrade earn his new badge. “I think it’s awesome ( he gets the same honours),” he said.

“Everyone loves him even though he’s not much of a lover, but I think that’s what everyone loves about him, he’s a bit harsh and rough around the edges.”

Read the full story in starting from page 25.

RACHEL RILEY estic capacity and support the logical growth of tourism in North Queensland.”

Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said the services would further boost the city’s profile.

“With four weekly services and highly competitiv­e pricing, we looking forward to welcoming more Victorian visitors to our city,” Cr Hill said.

“This is a highly positive step for Townsville and will increase our exposure as a destinatio­n, especially during the nine months of the year when we have unbeatable weather.”

Townsville Enterprise tour- teach an old ld Defenders, ism and events manager Bridget Woods said the new service would be a significan­t catalyst to expanding the city’s tourism reach.

“The schedule is well timed for the leisure traveller and is great news for the city’s tourism industry,” she said. “Now even more Victorians can come to Townsville to experience the many offerings of the region.”

Special one- way fares between Townsville and Melbourne are on sale from $ 65. Fares are on sale until noon on Saturday, or until sold out.

 ?? Picture: WESLEY MONTS ?? HOOFING IT: 1RAR mascot Shetland pony Lance Corporal Septimus Quintus jumps for his handler Private Tyler Hine.
Picture: WESLEY MONTS HOOFING IT: 1RAR mascot Shetland pony Lance Corporal Septimus Quintus jumps for his handler Private Tyler Hine.
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