Jetstar has announced new daily direct flights from Hobart to the Gold Coast in a major boost to the MICE market for the region.

Jetstar has launched Hobart-Gold Coast flights

Commencing on December 22, 2010, the new flights will be operated by Airbus A320 aircraft and represent an additional 126,000 annual domestic seats in both markets.

Jetstar Chief Commercial Officer David Koczkar said the low fares leader will now offer a total of up to 140 weekly return domestic flights supporting Tasmanian tourism and enterprise.

“Jetstar is committed to making low fare travel in Tasmania even more accessible and affordable through this important addition of a daily Gold Coast to Hobart air link,” he said.

“We understand our low fares are just part of the story, and (those) travelling between the two cities will enjoy direct flights, minus the stopover,” Koczkar said.

The new route is also a win for the Tasmanian tourism industry, according to Tasmania Tourism Minister, Michelle O’Byrne.

“Jetstar’s decision to introduce a new daily direct Gold Coast service is great news for Tasmania and for tourism,” she said. “It is pleasing to see a major carrier having the confidence in our tourism future to introduce this new direct service into our state.

“Our tourism and hospitality industry, retailers and many other businesses will benefit from the additional visitors these Gold Coast flights will deliver,” O’Byrne said.

Jetstar’s commitment to again expand its Hobart flying follows last month’s announced increase during December 2010 of both its Sydney-Hobart (from 2x daily to 3x daily from  December 2, 2010) and Melbourne-Hobart (from 4x daily to 5x daily from December 6, 2010) services, and expansion by 40 per cent in Launceston via additional daily services from Melbourne and Sydney.