Newcastle Airport is connecting the people of the Hunter Region to where they want to go with direct Jetstar flights to Bali underway now making international holidays just up the road, not down the M1.
The flight is a full-circle moment for both the airport and the airline. Jetstar operated its very first commercial service from Newcastle in 2004 and now becomes the airline to lead Newcastle into its international future.
Newcastle Airport CEO Linc Horton said Jetstar has been with the airport from the start and is now helping to redefine what's possible for the region by leading it into international travel.
"We have introduced direct flights to Perth, Hobart and Bali over the last six months and feedback from our airline partners is that they are all performing above expectations," Mr Horton said. "We know airlines are watching how the Hunter responds and we expect that strong demand for this service will lead to more flights and new international routes being added in the future.
"This new international connection to Bali opens doors to even greater opportunities for our region and strengthening ties between the Hunter and Indonesia.
"On a practical level this new service saves holiday makers the journey to Sydney and starts to solidify Newcastle Airport's position as a genuine alternative for international travel."
The new service operates three times a week and is expected to carry more than 70,000 seats annually.
Mayor of Port Stephens and Newcastle Airport Director Leah Anderson said she was delighted to be on today's inaugural flight with her family noting this route was just the beginning of what's ahead for Newcastle Airport.
"What a great day for the Newcastle Airport and for our region, everyone is smiling today and the vibe from the passengers today is electric," Ms Anderson said.
"Our $250 million airport expansion is unlocking major opportunities for tourism, business, investment and jobs for Port Stephens and the greater region, making the Hunter a more attractive destination for international tourists and a more convenient option for locals looking to explore the world.
"Global connectivity is now on our doorstep; we now ask our region to support these flights and show other airlines just how much demand there is from our region to travel."
The new Bali route has been strongly supported by the region, with Mayor Leah Anderson joined onboard the first outbound flight by Triple M breakfast hosts Tanya and Steve and the local NBN Newcastle news crew. On the first inbound flight arriving from Bali to Newcastle on Tuesday morning, Business Hunter CEO Bob Hawes will be among the passengers.
"I can't tell you how much I appreciate being able to fly direct into Newcastle from my Bali holiday, knowing I can be home quickly after an easy and friendly airport experience which Newcastle provides in abundance and there is absolutely no comparison when you consider the awful trip to or from Sydney has been taken out of the equation," Mr Hawes said.
"This route supports the tourism sector and opens up new opportunities for trade and regional business. Our entire region is behind this service and we can't wait to see more routes added."
Beyond tourism the direct connection to Bali presents new potential for export, education and defence partnerships. With a growing Indonesian interest in Australian wine and fresh produce, the route enables Hunter Valley producers to build stronger commercial ties with Southeast Asia.
The University of Newcastle has also welcomed the connection with Indonesia as a key market for international students and research collaboration. Improved air access makes it easier for inbound students and supports outbound programs under initiatives like the New Colombo Plan.
Considered an emerging connecting airport, Denpasar flies to 48 destinations across Indonesia and internationally, including key Southeast Asian and Middle Eastern hubs such as Dubai, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Abu Dhabi and Doha. Travellers can also connect to Istanbul via Turkish Airlines from Bali.
Newcastle Airport's catchment includes 1.4 million residents across the Hunter Central Coast Mid North Coast and Northern Sydney making it a natural hub for outbound and inbound travel.
