NT airline talks optimistic

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NT airline talks optimistic

Thursday, 20 December 2012

Minister for Tourism and Major Events, Matt Conlan, has held meetings with aviation operators Jetstar and Virgin Australia in Sydney to discuss the Northern Territory’s role in the industry.

"These major aviation players are now aware the Northern Territory is open for business and I remain optimistic about this,” Mr Conlan said.

“Alice Springs was flagged in both meetings with Jetstar CEO David Hall and Virgin Australia CEO John Borghetti as a major tourist destination.

“There is a clear desire by these airlines to expand their services across Australia, and I want to ensure that Central Australia is included in this.

“Inbound and outbound services to Central Australia have the potential to expand, creating increased competition, and ideally, greater choice for locals and tourists.

“Virgin Australia’s proposed partial acquisition of Tiger Airways and full acquisition of Skywest could result in additional services across the Northern Territory, if the move is approved by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

“Since 2011, only one airline has serviced Alice Springs and I remain hopeful this can increase in the future.

“Virgin Australia CEO, Mr Borghetti, expressed a desire to service remote and regional Australia, a move which is subject to additional aircraft availability and the approval of the proposed acquisitions.

“Once these boxes are ticked, Alice Springs is one step closer to having a healthy and competitive aviation market.”

Source = Minister for Tourism and Major Events