QantasLink announces Newcastle to Adelaide flights on Embraer E190 94-seat jet from March 2022

For the first time, QantasLink will fly direct from Newcastle to the South Australian capital, with three weekly services to be announced on Friday.

The Embraer E190 94-seat jet will start flying year-round from March 2022.

It's Newcastle Airport's sixth new service announced this year, following confirmation of flights to the Sunshine Coast, Cairns, Cobar, Lord Howe Island and Port Macquarie.

The E190s were introduced to QantasLink's network in May and the jets' size, range and economics have opened a number of new routes that wouldn't have been viable with Qantas' existing fleet.

The new flight will be the only direct connection between Newcastle and Adelaide. Fly Pelican briefly flew the route from March 2018 to April 2019, but there has been no Newcastle to Adelaide service before or since.

QantasLink CEO John Gissing said the direct flights would make it easier to fly between the two cities as interstate travel begins to increase from early next year.

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"We know that many of our customers are flying between Adelaide and Newcastle via Sydney and we're delighted that we're able to offer this direct service for the first time," Mr Gissing said.

"Adelaide and Newcastle are both gateways to some of Australia's best wine regions and we think there'll be strong demand on the route."

Newcastle Airport CEO Dr Peter Cock said the timing of the announcement couldn't be better, as state borders begin to open.

"The support that our region has shown us during the good times and bad over the last two years has been phenomenal," he said.

"The Newcastle-Adelaide route is one of the most in-demand and searched for by our customers. We're incredibly excited that we're able to deliver another popular service for the region.

"Research shows that our community is more likely to travel for leisure than the rest of the country. This new service offers another chance for them to get back to family, back to business and back to enjoying a long overdue holiday."

Adelaide Airport Managing Director, Mark Young said Newcastle was one of the airport's largest unserved markets.

"Newcastle is Australia's second largest regional city with many similarities to Adelaide, including its defence focus and proximity to the Hunter Valley wine region," Mr Young said.

"It also provides a great alternative to travelling via Sydney for passengers wanting to travel to and from the Central Coast, Hunter and North Coast regions."

The new flight will be launched today with $149 fares.

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