Qantas to launch E190 flights between Darwin and Singapore
Qantas to launch E190 flights between Darwin and Singapore
Dark/light mode (01/17/24) Qantas today revealed plans to launch a second international route from Darwin, with direct flights from the Northern Territory to Singapore.
Scheduled to take off on December 9, 2024, Qantas will initially operate the route with five flights per week using dual-class Embraer E190 aircraft, increasing to daily from March 2025.
The new route has been made possible by the establishment of the E190 base at Darwin Airport, and the size, range and economics of the aircraft open up routes that would not be viable with larger aircraft, including the launch of international flights to Dili. in 2022.
The flights will give Territorians a direct option from Qantas to Singapore and also a seamless connection to London on QF1, as well as other destinations in Europe or Asia with partner airlines.
'I Love SG' flower arrangement. Image by Steven Howard from TravelNewsAsia.com
“This is a significant milestone for Darwin’s aviation capability and fantastic news for Territories seeking more choice, competitiveness and connectivity,” said Joel Bowden, Minister for Tourism and Hospitality. “The new flights will benefit locals looking to travel abroad and will also connect our growing cohort of business travelers to international markets. “Qantas’ commitment to the Territory reinforces our profile as a must-see destination for international visitors and we congratulate them on today’s announcement.”
Qantas has a long history of flying between Darwin and Singapore, with Darwin being the last stop in Australia on the original Kangaroo Route from Australia to London in 1935.
In those days, the flight from Darwin to Singapore made five stops and four and a half days, compared to the four hour and 45 minute flight time of the new direct service.
More recently, Qantas last operated direct flights between Darwin and Singapore in 2006.
“We are delighted to offer our customers another new international route from Darwin and strengthen the important trade, business and tourism links between Australia and Singapore,” said Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace. “The direct service is not only great news for Territorials looking to visit Singapore, but also for those traveling to London, Europe and Southeast Asia, with connections to popular destinations such as Phuket and Kuala Lumpur with our partner airlines, saving travel time. . This new route also allows us to re-establish the link with the UK that was established when international borders were first reopened after the pandemic and we temporarily diverted our flight from London via Darwin with the support of the Northern Territory Government and Darwin Airport.
The Qantas Group operates 18 routes from Darwin, Alice Springs and Uluru, and non-stop options from Darwin to eight domestic destinations.
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