Virgin Australia to launch new Perth to Tasmania nonstop flights starting from November

Perth to Launceston nonstop flights from $149 is the promise from Virgin Australia, which will launch a three times weekly service to the Tasmanian tourist mecca from November. Flights will commence on November 5 and will run through the holiday season until January 20, 2022. A special one-way $149 fare sale for selected travel dates starts today until midnight Friday, September 10 or until sold out. Virgin Australia group chief strategy and transformation officer Alistair Hartley said for the first time ever customers will be able to fly directly between Perth and Launceston. “We’re continually looking at ways to pivot and expand our network schedule where free movement of travellers across borders permit, so we’re incredibly proud that by working with Launceston and Perth Airports we’ve been able to launch direct services between the cities in time for the busy Christmas holiday period,” said Mr Hartley. “More flying means more opportunities for our customers to explore our wonderful country or reconnect with friends and family. It also means more work for our passionate team who can’t wait to return to the skies.” Perth Airport chief executive Kevin Brown said the seasonal route was another example of Virgin Australia’s long-term commitment to Western Australia and that it are working with the airline to introduce new and expanded routes as aviation begins its recovery. “Pre-Covid, Launceston was our largest unserved domestic route with an approximate 45,000 passengers travelling between the two destinations (via other ports), so we expect high demand for the service particularly over the holiday period, Mr Brown said. “It has been a tough year and as vaccination rates rise and Australia begins to open up, the introduction of new and expanded routes will provide a great opportunity for people to travel to a domestic destination that they have never experienced before. “It’s great news for Western Australians wanting to discover Tasmania; it’s also great news for Tasmanians wanting to come to WA.” Virgin Australia is waiving applicable change fees and allowing unlimited changes for bookings for travel between now and February 28, 2022.