Sharp Airways will launch continuous flights between Launceston and King Island subsequent month.
Working on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 Might, the flights will complement the prevailing companies by way of Burnie on different days, reducing the journey time from 95 to 55 minutes and “considerably bettering entry for residents, guests, companies and freight prospects”, the airline stated.
This content material is out there completely to Australian Aviation members.
To proceed studying the remainder of this text, please login.
To unlock all Australian Aviation journal content material and once more limitless entry to our day by day information and options, develop into a member at this time!
A month-to-month membership is just $5.99 or save with our annual plans.
See advantages
Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
Entry to In Focus reviews each month on our web site
MOST POPULAR
PRINT + DIGITAL
See advantages
Limitless entry to all Australian Aviation digital content material
Entry to the Australian Aviation app
Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
Entry to In Focus reviews each month on our web site
Entry to our Behind the Lens picture galleries and different unique content material
Day by day information updates by way of our e-mail bulletin
DIGITAL
See advantages
Limitless entry to all Australian Aviation digital content material
Entry to the Australian Aviation app
Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
Entry to In Focus reviews each month on our web site
Entry to our Behind the Lens picture galleries and different unique content material
Day by day information updates by way of our e-mail bulletin
“These new direct flights are a real step ahead for our King Island companies. We’ve listened to the wants of the neighborhood and recognised the significance of sooner, extra environment friendly connections between King Island and Launceston,” stated Sharp Airways CEO Alistair Dorward.
“This new route improves the journey expertise for residents and guests alike, whereas additionally strengthening entry for enterprise, tourism and freight.
“King Island stays an important a part of our community, and this funding displays our long-term dedication to supporting the island neighborhood and serving to unlock future alternative.”
Launceston Airport has applauded the transfer, saying it would enhance connectivity.
“We welcome Sharp Airways’ first continuous connection from Launceston Airport to King Island and we’re happy to have Sharp Airways increasing its Launceston providing,” a spokesperson stated.
“Not solely will this open up sooner passenger and cargo connections to King Island, however Launceston Airport’s rising home schedule gives the chance for straightforward onward connections for passengers to and from capital cities throughout mainland Australia.”
The information comes after Sharp earlier this yr flagged that it might drop its Melbourne (Essendon) to King Island companies and suspended ahead bookings past this month.
“Whereas no remaining choices have been made, we now have been clear in flagging {that a} sustainable pathway ahead would require some type of authorities help,” stated Dorward in February.
“At this stage, no additional flights between Melbourne and King Island will likely be loaded on the market past the tip of April 2026.”
A choice by Sharp to exit the route would go away Melbourne-King Island served primarily by Rex from Tullamarine, although Sharp at this stage seems to be to be persevering with its Melbourne-Flinders Island service from Essendon, in addition to its King Island flights from Burnie and Launceston.
Sharp had in 2024 indicated it was keen to double its capability between Melbourne and King Island if Rex was unable to fulfill demand throughout its administration.
