Qantas is set to launch a new international route between Darwin and Singapore.
Direct flights will launch in December 2024, making travel between the Northern Territory and London faster.
The Northern Territory Treasury notes that major Asian economies, including Singapore, are some of the state’s largest trading partners.
For the year to November 2023, Singapore was the third largest import market, with imports valued at $296 million in the same year.
Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace said the Singapore route was a welcome addition to the Darwin-based company’s international network.
“We are excited to offer our customers a new international route from Darwin and strengthen the important trade, business and tourism links between Australia and Singapore,” he said.
“This direct flight is good news not only for Territorial residents wanting to visit Singapore, but also for travelers traveling to London, Europe and other parts of Southeast Asia, connecting to popular destinations such as Phuket and Kuala Lumpur on partner airlines. , saving you hours of travel time.
“This new route will also restore links with the UK established when borders first reopened after the pandemic, and with support from the Northern Territory Government and Darwin Airport, we will temporarily reroute London flights. changed to via Darwin.
Northern Territory Tourism and Hospitality Minister Joel Bowden said the announcement of the new service was a milestone for Darwin’s aviation capabilities.
“The new flights will not only benefit locals wishing to travel abroad, but will also connect the growing group of business travelers with international markets,” he said.
From December 9, 2024, it will initially operate five days a week on dual-class Embraer E190 aircraft, and from March 2025 it will operate daily.