First Ever Charter Flight From Japan Arrives In Darwin

Minister for Tourism, Paul Henderson today welcomed the first ever Japanese Airline charter into Darwin by one of Japan’s leading travel agencies, Hankyu Trapics and Japan Airlines (JAL).

“This is great news for tourism in the Top End and provides an opportunity to showcase Darwin to the Japanese market,” Minister Henderson said.

“The new charter will follow on from the successful direct charters into Alice Springs in 2006 and indicates a growing interest among the Japanese in developing new destinations and experiences in the Territory.

“Not only do these charters provide a boost for the tourism industry but they drive economic growth and keep the Territory moving ahead,” Minister Henderson said.

The 230 passengers on the direct charter from Fukuoka to Darwin will be staying five nights in the NT. The charter includes a tour program that takes in the Jumping Crocodile Cruise, the Territory Wildlife Park, Windows on the Wetlands, travel on the Ghan, Alice Springs and Uluru plus an option to undertake the ‘Red Centre Dreaming Show’.

“Japan Airlines will also operate a second charter into the Territory, flying direct from Osaka to Alice Springs on May 4,” Minister Henderson said.

“Since the first charter flight from Japan to Alice touched down in 2003, more than 3,500 Japanese tourists have visited the Northern Territory, injecting over $2.8 million dollars into the economy.

“Over $60,000 has been committed by Tourism NT to support cooperative marketing activity to secure the flights and grow the number of wholesalers marketing these direct charters to Japanese consumers.

“Tourism NT plans to negotiate with Japan Airlines for charters in August and December this year,” Minister Henderson said.