FOR the first time, travellers across the Hunter region can depart their local airport bound for Singapore, with the inaugural Jetstar flight taking off from Newcastle Airport at 9:40am on Tuesday.
Newcastle Airport Chair Samantha Martin-Williams said the new route to Singapore via Bali marks a significant step forward for Newcastle Airport and the economic future of the regions it serves.
“It connects travellers across the Hunter, Central Coast and Mid North Coast to Singapore Changi Airport and its global network of more than 170 destinations, opening new pathways for tourism, trade and investment,” Ms Martin-Williams said.
“This route strengthens our region’s ability to attract visitors, support local businesses and create jobs; both at the airport and across the broader visitor economy.
“It also sends a clear signal to international airlines that the Hunter is a growing, globally connected market. Strong performance on these services brings us closer to securing a direct Singapore route and even greater opportunities for our region.”
The popularity of Newcastle Airport’s direct flights to Bali saw the service increase from three to four times per week, with all four weekly Jetstar flights continuing on to Singapore via a 90-minute connection in Denpasar.
Jetstar now operates direct services between Newcastle and Bali (JQ88) on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
Newcastle Airport CEO Linc Horton said he was proud that local travellers now have a faster and more convenient way to reach Singapore and connect to destinations across Asia, Europe and beyond without needing to travel to Sydney.
“The Hunter is a region of travellers, with more than 789,000 passengers travelling between our region and Europe, the Middle East and Asia last financial year alone, enough to fill 60 Singapore Airlines A350 aircraft every week.
“These travellers are already flying through other airports, so imagine how many more holidays, business trips and family reunions will be created when those journeys can begin right here in Newcastle with direct connections.”
Mayor of Port Stephens and Newcastle Airport Director Leah Anderson said the new service would deliver significant benefits for tourism, business and regional investment.
“For Port Stephens and the wider Hunter region, Newcastle Airport is a critical gateway that supports local jobs, tourism and economic growth,” Cr Anderson said.
“Singapore is one of the world’s most important aviation hubs and this new connection significantly strengthens our ability to attract international visitors to our region.
“Improved international access makes it easier for global travellers to experience everything our region has to offer.
“While Newcastle and Port Stephens are known for their beautiful beaches and relaxed coastal lifestyle, there is so much more for visitors to discover and we look forward to sharing our region with the world.”
Cr Anderson travelled on the inaugural service to Singapore, where she met with key contacts ahead of Newcastle Airport’s Hunter Trade Mission planned for September.
“Building these connections now will help position our region to attract future tourism, investment and trade opportunities,” she said.
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