A new air route to connect Territorians will soon take flight, with the Northern Territory Government and Airnorth today signing off on a trial air service that will loop between Darwin, Katherine, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs.
Minister for Transport Peter Chandler said the ‘centre run’ route will start operating three times a week from next month.
“This is fantastic news, opening up links between local business and residents; importantly Territorians will also have improved access to health and other essential services,” Minister Chandler said.
“The Country Liberals Government is serious about connecting Territorians and developing northern Australia- that’s why we’re supporting this service over a two year trial period, with the hope the route will really take off over coming months.
“We are proud to be partnering with Airnorth on this fantastic initiative- they are a born and bred Northern Territory business with an understanding of the uniqueness of the Territory,” Minister Chandler said.
Member for Katherine Willem Westra van Holthe said the air service will increase tourism opportunities for the region, as well as assist business owners and residents to connect outside the region.
“The Katherine community has been crying out for this route for some time; I’m extremely proud to be part of a government that has delivered on this crucial service,” Mr Westra van Holthe said.
“This is the first regular air service for Katherine and Tennant Creek since 2004, when the previous service became commercially unviable.
“Ongoing support from the Northern Territory Government will allow Airnorth to establish a strong marketing and passenger growth plan to ensure the service is a success into the future. I’d encourage residents and business owners to support the service, cementing its place in the region for years to come,” Mr Westra van Holthe said.
Airnorth will operate the service on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and the service will be primarily scheduled in the Embraer E120 aircraft offering a full airline service.
The first flight will touch down on the 19th of October 2015.
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