REX Airlines will commence direct services between Port Macquarie and Sydney from March 28.
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The new services will fill the gap left within the region's connecting networks, following the withdrawal of some airline services last year.
In September 2020, Qantas stepped in and boosted flights to Brisbane following Virgin Australia's suspension of services in the region.
FlyPelican then announced a direct flight to Canberra starting on November 1.
The additional Rex flights will be a major boost to the local economy, and offer an alternative link to our state's capital city.
Council's director of corporate performance, Rebecca Olsen, is pleased the region continues to build on its connections throughout its recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
"The new Sydney services provided by Rex will be a fantastic boost for local tourism, businesses, and leisure travel," Ms Olsen said.
"The announcement by Rex is a strong vote of confidence for our community, with the new services adding significant capacity to cater for increasing demand for travel as COVID-19 restrictions ease."
The airline plans to operate three return services each week day, providing same day return travel in each direction with a one-hour flight time.
Rex will also operate Saturday morning and Sunday afternoon services resulting in 18 return services each week and more than 60,000 seats each year between Port Macquarie and Sydney.
Rex general manager of network strategy, Warrick Lodge, is pleased to be launching the new route, as part of Rex's major revamp of its regional network strategy.
"We recognise the significant socio-economic boost that the Rex service will bring to Port Macquarie and this will directly contribute to the economic recovery of the local community," Mr Lodge said.
"We trust that the local community will support the Rex service to ensure that the local benefits to Port Macquarie are long lasting."
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