End of ‘sky-high’ airfares? Cheaper flights promised for two major cities

Rex is promising cheaper airfares for the 75 minute direct flight, at least half the price of the lowest Qantas fare.

Daily flights between the two cities will commence on August 17. Picture: Rex

A regional Australian airline is commencing daily flights to Tasmania’s capital city from the mainland, promising the arrival of cheaper airfares.

Hobart is set to be the fourth Tasmanian destination from domestic regional airline Rex, with flights between Melbourne and Hobart taking off on August 17.

One way flights will begin at $79 including baggage allowance and an on-board snack, which Rex says is less than half the cost of the cheapest Qantas fare, advertised online at $180.

The daily flights will depart from Melbourne at 12.15pm, arriving in Hobart at 1.30pm, while the Hobart to Melbourne service will leave at 2.15pm and arrive at 3.30pm each day.

The airline recently added two more Boeing 737s to its fleet. Picture: Rex

Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the new route gave Victorians, the Apple Isle’s largest visitor market, even more options to experience Australia’s southernmost region.

“Pleasingly, the new service will kick in before the busier warmer months, which will be welcome news for local businesses,” he said.

“(They) will benefit from the increase in trade, as well as Tasmanians looking to head interstate.”

While Rex already operates regular flights to Tasmania, namely Burnie, Devonport and King Island, the arrival of two more Boeing 737s to its fleet has allowed the Aussie airline to add more destinations to its schedule.

Premier Rockliff said Taswegians will 'benefit from the increase in trade'. Picture: Twitter

The 75 minute flight will depart from Melbourne then Hobart each day. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw

Just last week Rex announced the launch of direct flights between Adelaide and Sydney, starting June 29.

Rex deputy chairman John Sharp said the airline was “delighted” to add Hobart to its network of great Aussie tourist destinations.

“For too long, Hobart has had to endure sky-high airfares because of capacity constraints and price gouging by our competitors,” he said.

“Our new service will provide passengers with affordable fares delivered with Rex’s trademark country hospitality and reliability.”

Chief executives of both Melbourne and Hobart Airport have expressed their delight at the decision, welcoming the “extra competition” and investment in infrastructure.