International flights from Canberra is being described by Member for Hume Angus Taylor as providing regional NSW with a boarding pass to unprecedented investment and tourism opportunities.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
This week’s announcement by Singapore Airlines that it will be the first international airline to operate regular international flights in and out of Canberra will ensure the area of Hume and the Yass Valley is “globally connected”.
“It will be a game changer for our region. Not only will it truly put us on the tourism map, it will provide the platform for many of our innovative businesses to expand, export and grow,” he said.
The new ‘Capital Express’ route will operate from September and provide the nation’s capital with two direct international destination options: Singapore and Wellington, New Zealand.
“Freight, produce services, tourism … the opportunities these direct flights will present is unprecedented. Exciting times are ahead,” Mr Taylor said.
The Canberra Region Joint Organisation (CBRJO) Chair and Mayor of Boorowa Council, Councilor Wendy Tuckerman, said the announcement is a game changer for regional NSW.
‘This new venture is a significant building block in driving economic growth and further enhancing the diversity, opportunity and ability to promote multiple regional benefits across the Canberra region’.
The CBRJO have been a strong supporter of Canberra Airport and by having Singapore Airlines as the carrier of choice for both inbound and outbound passenger travel as well as freight; will have a significant impact across the 12 Local Government Areas of South East NSW.
Chief Minister of the ACT Andrew Barr told the press gallery Wednesday of last week (February 20) that it has been a vision of his and everyone at the Capital Airport Group for many years and is delighted to see it come to fruition.
“The start of direct international flights will create significant positive economic and social impacts for Canberra and the region in terms of trade, investment, higher education and tourism. The rest of the world is now finally on our doorstep.”
Economic Development & Tourism Manager Sean Haylan echoed the sentiments made by the CBRJO describing it as ‘huge potential’ for the area.
“It now puts us in a stronger standpoint in terms of tourism,” Mr Haylan said.
“It’s all about getting people across the border and out into our rural area to experience what we have to offer.
“These flights from Singapore are a gateway into Asia. With the help of the regional tourism working groups including; Visit Canberra and Visit NSW, we will be doing what we can to attract these people to explore the heritage assets and hospitality of this region.”
The first flight into Canberra will be on September 21, 2016. For more details visitwww.canberraairport.com.au/travellers/latest-news/singapore-airlines
