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Darwin-Timor flights to supercharge new tourism, business opportunities

AN advocate for the Territory’s relationship with Indonesia says unprecedented business and tourism opportunities will arise if new flights are established

AN advocate for the Territory’s relationship with Indonesia says unprecedented business and tourism opportunities will arise if new flights between Darwin and Timor are established.

Earlier this month it was announced flights would begin Indonesian airline TransNusa Aviation would begin flying from Kupang, Timor, to Darwin in February 2020 if federal approvals were granted.

TransNusa Aviation Mandiri vice chairman Leo Budiman told the NT News once Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) approval was granted the airline would consider three passenger services a week linking Kupang-Dili-Darwin.

Independent Member for Blain Terry Mills applauded TransNusa’s efforts and said the flights would bring immense tourism opportunities.

“Tourism is critical and I think it's an untapped market here,” he said.

“The millions going to Bali are promoting the eastern part of Indonesia in Bali, like Komodo. They can go from Bali, to the Komodo Islands, and go to Kupang and come to Darwin. There is an untapped market there.

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“If we were to market Darwin in Bali we could direct some of that flow east, then all the way to Darwin.”

Mr Mills however said this would all depend on TransNusa securing CASA approval and establishing a sustainable business plan.

“TransNusa are quite enthusiastic which is great, it may take much longer than expected but I think it’s important it’s done well,” he said. “TransNusa are to be encouraged and supported and it’s going to be to our mutual benefit if it is a success.

“The NT then can have a really unique connection into East Timor.”

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Original URL: https://www.ntnews.com.au/business/darwintimor-flights-to-supercharge-new-tourism-business-opportunities/news-story/5cc81b1ca4ca38b3f3e3ec162bff6016