Launceston gets a direct air link with Canberra

Tasmania has gained another air link with the announcement of the first direct flights between Launceston and Canberra to be operated by Link Airways.

With flights scheduled for times a week throughout the year, the new service means travellers from the ACT and regional NSW can now fly direct to Northern Tasmania and UNESCO City of Gastronomy Launceston.

It makes it much easier to visit attractions including Cataract Gorge and the Tamar Valley wine region, as well as the iconic Cradle Mountain and Derby Mountain bike trails further afield, Tourism Tasmania announced.

The new service - which takes off from May 6 - will add 14,000 seats annually to Tasmania's air capacity and lands in time for Tasmania's Off Season tourism campaign.

Flights are on sale now from $339. Link already offers flights between Hobart and Canberra. 

Book via Link Airways at https://www.linkairways.com/ or a travel agent.

Link Airways has partnered with Velocity Frequent Flyer, the loyalty program of Virgin Australia.

Codeshare agreement a boon for Virgin Australia flyers

A new partnership between Virgin Australia and Link Airways is set to open up more regional destinations for Virgin flyers.

The codeshare agreement will expand Virgin Australia's regional footprint with more than 90 flights per week to be operated by Link Airways, including services to Inverell, Wollongong, and Biloela which are not currently serviced by any other major airline.

Velocity Frequent Flyer members will now be able to earn both points and status credits on 17 new regional codeshare services.

Effective immediately, flyers can book via Virgin Australia's travel agency partners, with fares available on virginaustralia.com from March 2024.

Velocity Platinum, Gold and Silver members will also earn bonus points and receive an additional baggage allowance when travelling on any Virgin Australia codeshare service operated by Link Airways.

Eligible Velocity members can also access Virgin Australia lounges when travelling on these Virgin Australia codeshare services.

New regional routes available as Virgin Australia codeshare flights include Brisbane-Coffs Harbour, Brisbane-Orange, Sydney-Narrabri, Sydney-Inverell, Melbourne-Wollongong and Canberra-Hobart.

"The announcement in partnership with Link Airways underscores our commitment to delivering great value, flexibility and choice to Australians, and boosting connections for customers living in regional Australia,” said Virgin Australia Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer, Alistair Hartley.

“Importantly the partnership is also set to support regional trade and tourism in destinations like Inverell, Wollongong and Biloela, which are not currently serviced by any other major airline."

Link Airways Chief Executive Officer Andrew Major said: “Link Airways is very pleased to join Virgin Australia in announcing this codeshare agreement which will provide significant additional travel opportunities to passengers Australia-wide, particularly those in regional areas.

"Benefits will include better connectivity and more choice for regional customers thanks to Virgin Australia’s expansive route network.”