- Inaugural direct flight between Sydney and Busselton launches today
- New service to boost tourism from the east coast to Western Australia's South West
- Jetstar's three-times-weekly service will bring more than 28,000 additional inbound seats to the State
- Supported by the Western Australian Government
Jetstar's inaugural direct flight between Sydney and Busselton is touching down today, marking a pivotal moment for Australia's South West tourism industry.
Following the successful launch of a new direct flight between Melbourne and Busselton in 2022, the Sydney direct route will bring an additional 28,000 inbound seats to the South West annually and unlock new opportunities for investment and job creation.
Operating three times weekly, the new Jetstar Airbus A320 flight will significantly reduce travel time for Sydneysiders to reach Busselton, the Margaret River region and surrounding areas, with the five-hour non-stop service two hours faster than the indirect route via Melbourne.
The reduced travel time presents an opportunity for more visitors from the east coast to conveniently access the South West region directly, and to explore its gourmet food offerings, premium wine regions, world-class surfing spots, and majestic forests.
Busselton and the Margaret River region are premier destinations for eco-tourism and premium experiences, boasting a diverse range of new hospitality options, including five-star restaurants and accommodation like the new Busselton Pavilion, which opened in January 2024, and the Hilton Garden Inn, which opened its doors in December 2023.
In year ending September 2023, there were 3.4 million overnight visitors to Australia's South West, with the City of Busselton and Shire of Augusta Margaret River the region's most popular destinations.
The launch follows Airnorth's inaugural direct service that took off yesterday between Alice Springs and Perth.
The Darwin-based airline will operate three services per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays on their E170 aircraft. The new flight will add nearly 12,000 extra inbound seats into Western Australia each year, further boosting the State's domestic aviation network and creating more opportunities for Western Australia to be included in national travel itineraries.
Both services have been supported by the WA Government's $75 million Aviation Recovery Fund.
For more information on the new Sydney to Busselton route, visit jetstar.com/au.
As stated by Tourism Minister Rita Saffioti:
"These flights are a game changer for WA's South West tourism industry.
"With 95 per cent of visitors to Western Australia arriving by air, the State's visitor economy relies heavily on air travel, especially in the regions.
"Supporting more direct connections from domestic and international locations is a key priority for the WA Government and we will continue to encourage more airlines to secure non-stop and direct connections into WA's regions.
"The WA Government has worked tirelessly since the pandemic to increase aviation connections and reduce cost of air travel into the regions through the $75 million Aviation Recovery Fund, and we are continuously providing subsidised airfares to encourage travel to WA's spectacular regions.
"I encourage travellers from the eastern states to book a trip on this convenient new flight to come and explore our breathtaking South West region, which offers culinary coastal adventures, world-class wine, pristine beaches, and towering timber forests."
As stated by Regional Development Minister Don Punch:
"The South West has another reason to celebrate today - the commencement of the second direct commercial route between the region and the east coast of Australia.
"The new Jetstar route between Busselton and Sydney further opens up the tourism potential of the region, benefiting local tourism operators and businesses.
"The benefits of the State Government's investment into the airport continues to flow on to locals, and we are working with the City of Busselton and other stakeholders on the business case for further development of this regional asset."
As stated by Warren-Blackwood MLA Jane Kelsbie:
"Our beautiful South West region attracts tourists from far and wide to see our incredible beaches, forests and caves, as well as our award-winning wineries and culinary experiences.
"Today's announcement makes it all the more easy for our friends in the eastern states to experience the world-class tourist attractions in the South West, and we're really excited to welcome the first visitors from today's flight to our region."
