Air New Zealand to fly from Hobart to Auckland twice a week, travel bubble expected

Overseas travel will soon return for Tasmanians after Premier Peter Gutwein announced new direct routes to the Land of the Long White Cloud. SEE WHEN YOU CAN FLY >>

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OVERSEAS travel will soon return for Tasmanians after Premier Peter Gutwein announced new direct flight routes to the Land of the Long White Cloud.

The potential for a travel bubble between Tasmania and New Zealand, given the low levels of coronavirus in both areas, was touted late last year.

After several false starts due to COVID-19 outbreaks, the bubble is set to begin by Anzac Day, although no official travel bubble or ticket sales have been announced.

“We announced we were actively working to welcome a new direct flights to New Zealand to Tasmania late last year for the first time in 20 years,” Mr Gutwein said.

Premier Peter Gutwein says he is “quietly confident” a travel bubble will be organised prior to the flights going on sale. Picture: Zak Simmonds

“Today I’m pleased to say we’ve reached an agreement with commercial terms with Air New Zealand with a new direct air service from Auckland to Hobart, due to begin around Anzac Day.

“New Zealanders can travel into Australia without quarantine arrangements, but on the way back it’s a matter for the New Zealand government.”

Mr Gutwein is “quietly confident” there will be a travel bubble established between Tasmania and New Zealand prior to the flights starting.

“Air New Zealand will fly from Auckland to Hobart on Thursdays and Sundays with the possibility of a third flight as demand increases,” he said.

Hobart and New Zealand travel bubble to start around Anzac Day according to @GutweinTeam.
Coupla handles of Tui anyone? #politas#auspol#nzpol

— Navarone Farrell (@navaronefarrell) March 19, 2021

“I met yesterday with the Hobart International Airport which will be ready to accept the flights with their terminal nearing completion.”

The federal government is set to provide Border Force staff to manage immigration.

“Air New Zealand is a global brand with a great reputation and has a significant New Zealand customer base and has relationships with key overseas markets as well,” Mr Gutwein said.

“As I’ve said this is great news for our community and importantly for our tourism industry with our quieter winter months.”

Hobart Airport CEO, Norris Carter, said this was the culmination of years of hard work.

“This is an exciting opportunity for Hobart Airport and the entire state,” Mr Carter said.

“It has long been the ambition of Hobart Airport and the broader Tasmanian community to see international flights resume.

Hobart Airport CEO says the new flight route is “profound”. Picture: Brendan Radke

“In the next two weeks we’ll open new arrivals and departures facilities that will provide additional space for passengers, and allow for international processing capability.

Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Greg Foran says he expects the new route to be a great attraction for both Tasmanians and Kiwis.

“This route will be a much-needed economic boost for the tourism industry,” he said.

“Pre-COVID-19, Tasmania was the largest Australian port unserved by a direct route from New Zealand, and in 2019 nearly 57,000 passengers travelled from New Zealand to Tasmania, so we expect this new route to stimulate even greater demand between the two destinations.”

Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Greg Foran. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

While Tasmania will be a key destination for Kiwis, the route will open opportunities for Tasmanians to explore more of New Zealand too.

Subject to final contract agreement, and government and regulatory approval, the airline will be flying year-round between Auckland and Hobart twice weekly using its A320neo fleet.

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Originally published as Air New Zealand to fly from Hobart to Auckland twice a week, travel bubble expected