Established Australian airline Link Airways is pleased to announce that it will commence scheduled direct flights between Canberra and Newcastle utilising the airline’s 34 passenger Saab 340B Plus aircraft.

First flight will be on Friday 20 November with an initial schedule of four return services per week, with services on Monday and Friday, growing to 11 return services per week in 2021. The initial schedule will operate at the following times:

- depart Canberra at 6.30am and 4.00pm, arriving Newcastle at 7.30am and 5.00pm.
- depart Newcastle at 8.00am and 5.30pm, arriving Canberra at 9.00am and 6.30pm.

With a flight time of just 60 minutes this new service will provide passengers from Canberra and Newcastle the opportunity to spend a full business day at their destination and return home that same afternoon whilst also facilitating potential for weekend stays.

CEO of Link Airways, Mr Andrew Major, said that as a Canberra owned Company, the airline is very proud to be able to offer these new services which will greatly enhance connectivity between Canberra and Newcastle. He indicated that detailed research and discussions with existing clients over several years had identified a strong demand for flights between Canberra and Newcastle that offered business friendly day return timings. He also stated “the airline had received numerous approaches from parties that travel regularly between Canberra and Newcastle seeking additional capacity and a larger range of fares on the route. The Saab 340B Plus aircraft with full inflight cabin service will significantly enhance the offering on this route”. Link Airways standard inflight offering includes hot and cold beverages and premium snacks with complimentary beer/wine available on all afternoon and evening services.

In addition to supporting vital Government, Defence and business connections we also see the opportunity to grow tourism between the two regions. Newcastle offers some of the best beaches in the country, a laid-back lifestyle, great food, a busy harbour and an eclectic arts scene along with a gateway to spectacular Port Stephens and the nearby Hunter Valley where world-famous wineries, acclaimed restaurants and delicious local produce await visitors. Australia’s national capital Canberra showcases incredible history and culture with much to explore including incredible galleries and stunning natural sights.

Mr Major acknowledged the assistance provided by Canberra and Newcastle Airports and the many businesses and individuals that have approached Link Airways in relation the establishment of these services.

CEO Newcastle Airport, Dr Peter Cock, said “at a time when we can see some hope on the horizon for the aviation industry, this is great news for both regions. Our Airport is surrounded by the largest regional economy in the country with a catchment that has a high propensity to travel. We look forward to working with Link Airways and all of our partner airlines to re-build connections between our region and the rest of the country in the coming weeks and months”.

Key Facts

Start Date: Friday 20 November.

Frequency: Initially Monday and Friday. Growing to eleven return weekly services from February 2021.

Fares: $149 one-way all-inclusive Deal fares are available now.

Bookings: linkairways.com or through on-line and shop front travel agents.

Customer Service: 1300 851 269 (+61 2 6123 1999).