The Flying Kangaroo has landed in Newcastle, bringing passengers direct from Adelaide to the Hunter Region for the first time on their new year-round service. Qantas will connect Newcastle with the South Australian capital three times a week.  

Newcastle Airport CEO Dr Peter Cock said he is confident the region will eagerly embrace this highly in-demand service.  

“The Newcastle to Adelaide service couldn’t be happening at a better time. Our region and its people have shown amazing resilience during the ups and downs of the past two years and it’s great to be able to continue to serve the region as passengers are returning to Newcastle Airport in 2022,” he said.

“Our region includes many keen leisure travellers and with so much to see and do in Adelaide, this new service offers our community an exciting new holiday destination, especially as we head into the cooler months. This is complemented by the Hunter’s strong business connection with Adelaide, especially in the Defence, wine, and equine industries.

“Best of all we get to reconnect people with family and friends quicker and easier than ever before, and that’s so important after the challenges of recent years.

“With the continuing support of the region I’m confident this route will grow to a daily service sooner rather than later,” Dr Cock said.

QantasLink CEO John Gissing said the new service will encourage more domestic travel.

“Business and leisure travellers can now take advantage of a direct connection between Newcastle and Adelaide, saving time and a stopover. These flights will also encourage more visitors to explore the premier South Australian and northern New South Wales regions,” he said.

“Qantas customers and frequent flyers will be able to enjoy our premium service on these new flights, whether its complimentary food and drinks, baggage or access to our Adelaide lounge.”

Adelaide Airport Managing Director, Mark Young said the new route was key to reconnecting communities.

“Newcastle has been one of Adelaide’s largest unserved markets. It is more important than ever that South Australia reconnects, and we’re excited that QantasLink has seized the opportunity to connect the communities of Adelaide and Newcastle.

“The service will benefit both business and leisure travellers. Adelaide and Newcastle share industry strengths – particularly in Defence and wine. Newcastle is Australia’s second-largest regional city and is a launchpad for passengers wanting to travel to and from the Central Coast, Hunter Valley and North Coast regions," Mr Young said.

The Qantas Embraer E190 aircraft offers 10 Business and 84 Economy seats every week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.