NT Airports’ high hopes for 2019 despite Qantas setback

NT Airports remains upbeat about the year ahead despite an early setback after Qantas’ announcement that it will be axing 35 return flights on Darwin routes

Virgin’s Alice Springs to Brisbane service has been a winner. Picture: Evan Morgan

NT AIRPORTS remains upbeat about the year ahead despite an early setback caused by Qantas’ announcement last week that it will axe 35 return flights on a number of Darwin Jetstar and Qantas routes between April and late June.

NT Airports boss Ian Kew said overall he was pleased with some incremental successes on the report card for the past year, with more additional services and new routes on the horizon.

Mr Kew acknowledged the past 12 months had been tough and pointed to the past few months, which had seen some decline in passenger numbers through the airports.

“However there have been good outcomes in 2018 together with positive signs for the future,” he said.

“Significantly, May 2018 saw the arrival of Donghai Airlines’ first scheduled air service between mainland China and Darwin.

■ QANTAS and Jetstar to cut 35 return flights to Darwin

“The new direct flight is expected to attract 30,000 visitors from China by 2020, making the launch a major milestone for the Territory.”

Mr Kew said there was good news also to report for Alice Springs after Virgin Australia’s twice-weekly return service from Alice Springs to Brisbane launched in June 2018.

“Already this service has resulted in a 53 per cent increase in the market for the financial year 2017-18 year,” he said.

“Both Darwin and Alice Springs tourism operators enjoyed a welcome tourism boost with visits from three Japanese charter flights touching down in August and October.

“The charters were arranged for high-yielding holiday visitors through JTB World Vacations, the largest wholesaler in Japan.

“Successful charter programs create demand for more charters and are often a precursor to regular scheduled flights.”

Mr Kew said strong demand for Singapore and onward destinations in Asia and Europe continued.

“SilkAir added two additional weekly services year-round in January 2018, to operate six times per week, and last week announced a seventh weekly service on Saturdays starting on July 6,” he said

“Jetstar Asia also switched to a daily service during the peak holiday period of December and January.

“In a major development for inbound tourism, Darwin will now be connected to the Northern Territory’s most popular tourism icon, Ayers Rock, when Qantas begin its new service between Darwin and Uluru on April 3.

“It is expected many Asian travellers will take advantage of the shorter flight time, rather than flying via Sydney to visit the NT.

“It is anticipated many visitors will also take the time to enjoy the Top End’s festivals and events and explore Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks.”

Mr Kew said Bali, a long-time favourite holiday destination for Territorians, would now be perfectly serviced with two airlines operating at differing times to suit their own markets.

Low-cost carrier Jetstar will continue to fly four times a week and full-service carrier, Virgin Australia, will fly three times a week, with a seasonal service from April until October between Darwin and Bali.

“Territorians will be spoiled for choice for holiday destinations, as Airnorth makes a return to the Gold Coast with direct flights via Townsville starting on April 3,” Mr Kew said.

He said while increasing passenger numbers through the Territory’s two main airports was a key focus, NT Airports also knew direct access to lucrative Asian markets was crucial to expand the NT’s export opportunities for high-value exports such as tropical fruits and seafoods.

“Darwin International Airport has received federal funding from the Building Better Regions Fund and North Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF) to construct and develop a freight, cold storage and export hub,” he said.

“Construction of the facility is expected to commence in the second quarter of this year.

“NT Airports are looking forward to working with the government to expand export potential in the NT, creating more opportunities for our agribusinesses to export their goods to our northern neighbours.

“We will continue to develop domestic and inbound markets to bring new destinations online to increase tourism and freight opportunities and deliver Territorians greater choice and flexibility for their business and leisure travel needs.”