Virgin Australia today announced new direct services between Hobart and Perth, becoming the only airline to offer this route in Australia.

From 17 September, Virgin Australia will operate a thrice-weekly return service between Hobart and Perth on the airline’s Boeing 737 aircraft.

Virgin Australia General Manager, Network, Revenue and Alliances, Russell Shaw, said that the new services would create an important connection between two unique capital cities.

“Virgin Australia is proud to deliver a faster, more convenient and affordable way to travel between Hobart and Perth,” he said.

The new route provides travellers with more opportunity to explore all that Hobart, and Tasmania, have to offer. The Premier of Tasmania, the Honorable Will Hodgman, heralded the benefit that the new route would bring to their tourism industry.

“The Tasmanian Government warmly welcomes this new service which will increase the opportunity for people to experience Tasmania’s unrivalled natural environment, world class produce and events,” he said.

Hobart Airport Chief Executive Officer, Sarah Renner, also welcomed the announcement which is set to further drive tourism and economic growth in Tasmania, and opens up access to Australia’s most western capital city.

“The new path has the potential to grow tourism visitation to both states and allow easier access for business travellers and those visiting friends and relatives,” she said.

Perth is one of the most popular destinations for guests travelling out of Tasmania, with its wonderful cafes, beaches and culture. Perth Airport Chief Corporate Service Officer, Debra Blaskett, highlighted the importance of opening another connection for the city, with the new service providing seats for nearly 55,000 passengers to fly directly between Perth and Hobart.

“Virgin Australia’s new direct service will save passengers at least an hour of travelling time, with passengers currently needing to connect via Melbourne or Sydney,” she said.

In addition to this new Hobart to Perth route, Virgin Australia has also recently increased capacity on several Tasmania routes by up to 24%, including:

• 2 return services per week between Brisbane and Hobart

• 2 return services per week between Sydney and Hobart

• 1 seasonal return service per week between Brisbane and Launceston

The new flights between Hobart and Perth are on sale now at www.virginaustralia.com, with advance purchase fares starting from $269 one-way.