Tigerair Australia’s inaugural service between Melbourne and Townsville took to the skies earlier today, providing the only direct low cost daytime services between the Victorian capital and North Queensland destination.

Commencing from today, Tigerair will operate four weekly direct return low cost flights between Melbourne and Townsville on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays. These services will deliver almost 75,000 additional passenger seats through Townsville Airport annually.

The inaugural service departed Melbourne at 8.15am and arrived into Townsville Airport at 11.15am this morning.

Special one way fares between Townsville and Melbourne are currently on sale from $65* as part of Tigerair’s ‘Up to 50% off’ sale. Fares are on sale until midday AEST Saturday 24 June (or until sold out).

Tigerair Australia Head of Communications, Vanessa Regan, says the airline is thrilled by the manner in which Townsville has embraced Tigerair since the new services were announced earlier in the year.

“As the only low cost carrier providing direct daytime flights between Melbourne and Townsville, we are confident these services will prove particularly popular with our core market of budget and leisure travellers. Early indications are certainly pleasing with our inaugural services today fully booked.

Customers choosing to fly Tigerair will have more daylight hours to spend in the outer at the MCG or on the sands of Magnetic Island once they arrive thanks to our flight schedule.”

“The influx of almost 75,000 additional passenger seats through Townsville Airport each year will provide a welcome economic and tourism boost for the region. Queensland has always been an integral part of our network and with the commencement of today’s new route; almost 60% of all Tigerair domestic flights now touch the Sunshine State.”

“The local support we’ve received from our tourism and airport partners in Townsville has been first class and we look forward to working with them to stimulate travel to the region by promoting the many tourism drawcards of Townsville to the Melbourne market.”

Townsville Airport Chief Operating Officer Kevin Gill said he was pleased to welcome Tigerair to Townsville for the first time.

“Tigerair’s entry into the Townsville market is reflective of the region’s increasing desirability as a travel destination,” said Mr Gill.

“This is great news from both an inbound and outbound perspective, which will particularly benefit the leisure market.

“We look forward to showcasing our vibrant region to Victorians feeling winters chill at the moment.”

“The new route is a clear demonstration of our commitment to strengthen our domestic capacity and support the logical growth of tourism in North Queensland.”

Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said the new services would further boost the city’s profile.

“With four weekly services and highly competitive pricing, we looking forward to welcoming more Victorian visitors to our city,” Cr Hill said.

“This is a highly positive step for Townsville and will increase our exposure as a destination, especially during the nine months of the year when we have unbeatable weather.

The new service launched today has created ten new jobs at Townsville Airport and is supported by the Queensland Government’s Attracting Aviation Investment Fund through Tourism and Events Queensland, in partnership with the Townsville City Council and Queensland Airports Limited (the owner and operator of Townsville Airport).

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