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Albury locals and tourism groups in Victoria's north-east say they are excited by the prospect of increased visitation to the region now that a new flights between Albury and Adelaide are underway.
Key points:
- Albury Mayor and Tourism North East welcome the opportunity to boost the region's business
- An Albury Airport team leader says he hopes the service will expand beyond the snow season
- SA officials say the route will benefit their state as well
The first flight of the seasonal Qantas route touched down in Albury on Friday.
Twice-weekly, 50-seat return flights between the cities will operate until the end of September.
Albury Mayor Kylie King said it was a thrilling development for the city.
"We know how tough, particularly, the tourism industry has done it — local businesses [too]," she said.
"Any opportunity to get extra travellers visiting our region is terrific."
Ms King said it was great to see direct flights from Albury to Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Adelaide.
"That's pretty special," she said.
'Perfect timing'
Tourism North East's Elizabeth Costello said it was incredibly positive to see the new route start up.
"Anything that shortens the travel time to get up to the slopes and increases visitation to the area is always a positive move," she said.
"South Australians have an appetite for skiing and it is a distance to travel, whether it's by coach or by car.
Albury Airport operations team leader Nick Politis said he hoped the route would bring more opportunities for the region.
"It will be great for our region, particularly connecting to a new market and an opportunity for businesses both from SA and Albury-Wodonga," he said.
He said he was also hoping the service would expand beyond the snow season.
"We are hoping as it gains popularity it will see more people coming into our region," Mr Politis said.
"Also those wanting a holiday by the beach will choose Adelaide as a destination and we can make it an all-year-round service."
Adelaide Airport aviation business head Jonathan Cheong said Albury was "the gateway to the ski mountains".
"I can't wait for South Australians coming up here [to] go to the ski mountains," he said.
"Perfect timing during the school holidays.
"At the same time from SA, we are looking forward to welcoming people from here."