Thursday, 22 October 2020
The Hunter Region and Northern NSW will have easier access to World Heritage site Lord Howe Island from Saturday, 14 November, thanks to a new agreement between Newcastle Airport and Port Macquarie based airline, Eastern Air Services.
Eastern will operate direct service from Newcastle Airport to Lord Howe Island on a 10-seat Beechcraft B200 aircraft providing the region with an ideal opportunity to experience an ‘overseas’ holiday whilst staying within the jurisdiction of NSW.
Newcastle Airport CEO Dr Peter Cock said today he was buoyed by the growing optimism in the aviation industry and excited about the ability of the airport to help connect its region with one of the most beautiful places on earth.
“With domestic borders starting to open, I think we’ll see strong demand for leisure travel within Australia in the coming weeks,” he said.
“We know our customers are keen to fly and with international travel still some way off, we feel the people of our region deserve a range of exciting and unique holiday options. The eco-tourism experience at this World Heritage island certainly fits that category.”
“Importantly, an opportunity also exists for our region to provide direct support to Lord Howe Island residents, acting as the key service centre for the Island providing medical, retail, and other services to the population,” said Dr Cock.
Also speaking today, CEO of Eastern Air Services Christian Corse said he was very excited about the new opportunity.
“Lord Howe Island is incredibly popular with the people of the Central Coast, Hunter and Mid North Coast, so we expect this service to grow quickly,” he said.
With a flight time of just under 2-hours, the schedule will commence on Saturday, 14 November with one service a week, initially, on a Saturday.
Frequency will increase with demand over the peak summer months and as awareness of the service increases. People can book now on the Eastern Air Services website or via their local travel agent.
Key Facts
Start Date: Saturday 14 November.
Frequency: Saturdays initially, with intent to expand quickly
Fares: From $675 one way plus taxes and fees
Bookings: easternairservicesaus.rezdy.com or through on-line and shop front travel agents
Customer Service:1300-FLY-EAS | 1300 359 327
Ends.