Hobart is now on the destination list for Rex Airlines along with existing routes to Burnie, Devonport and King Island.
The airline reports an amazing take up by customers looking for a sharply-priced daily Melbourne-Hobart service, adding an extra 2400 seats per week between the capitals.
Hobart Airport CEO Norris Carter joined Premier Jeremy Rockliff for the formal welcome of flight ZL709 from Melbourne on Thursday morning.
“Competition is what brings air fares low, so we’ve seen the launch of Rex’s $79 fares have a tremendous take-up,” said Mr Carter.
“We’ve seen other airlines respond with lower fares as well.”
The Premier was effusive at the news.
“Victoria is Tasmania’s largest visitor market making up 31 per cent of total visitation, with our state welcoming nearly 400,000 visitors from Victoria in the year to June 2023,” said Mr Rockliff.
““These additional flights will also provide the opportunity to further boost Tasmanian service exports and deliver more options for freight.”