Securing NT Virgin flights a key to competitive prices: Moss

TOURISM minister Lauren Moss has written to Virgin Australia’s chief executive, pitching the Northern Territory’s case to maintain its current flight schedule

Tourism minister Lauren Moss said securing Virgin flights is a key to maintaining a competitive NT flight market. Picture: AAP

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TOURISM minister Lauren Moss has written to Virgin Australia chief executive, pitching the Northern Territory’s case to maintain its current flight schedule.

It comes as Hospitality NT chief executive Des Crowe on Friday said domestic carriers had a “moral obligation” to ensure there were enough flights to serve Territorians.

Ms Moss said those Virgin flights would help maintain fairer flights prices for all Territory routes, ensuring customers weren’t held to ransom to exorbitant prices.

“Having competition on air routes into the Territory is absolutely essential to keeping the cost of airfares down,” she said.

“As an example, Virgin Australia’s Brisbane to Alice Springs service which operates in competition with Qantas has brought prices on this sector down by 10.5 per cent on average.”

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In her letter to Virgin Australia chief executive Paul Scurrah, Ms Moss noted the NT routes had been strong performers and were a key to the governments long term goals in attracting more visitors and creating local jobs.

“I am advised Virgin Australia’s routes in the Northern Territory are performing well and we are very appreciative of the growth which has occurred in recent times that is strengthening your network in the north,” she said.

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“My department of Tourism, Sport and Culture remains fully committed to working with Virgin Australia during its period of review to ensure continually sustainable operation to the NT.”

Ms Moss also noted the importance of the domestic airlines, as well as the government, putting a focus on connecting to Northern Australia with the “Facing North” event held in Canberra next week.

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However Mr Crowe previously told the NT News if southern airlines didn’t want to commit to the NT, they should make way for the Territory to secure flights with “our Northern neighbours”.

Ms Moss said initiatives such as the turbocharging tourism investment should appeal to airline carriers looking to provide air services to the NT,

“Airlines invest in markets where they can see commercial opportunities and the best way to stimulate improved aviation services is to grow tourism, population and general economic activity,” she said.