Newcastle Airport Welcomes First Flight Servicing Adelaide Direct

Newcastle Airport today welcomes FlyPelican’s first flight between Newcastle and Adelaide – arriving from Adelaide at 10.20am and departing Newcastle at 11.20am. 

The inaugural flight marks the commencement of the first new major domestic route from Newcastle Airport since the introduction of Gold Coast in 2004.

This first flight to Adelaide will carry the Newcastle Jets and supporters, travelling south for the Round 24 Hyundai A-League fixture against Adelaide United.

Other passengers enjoying the new direct jet service to Adelaide include Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Nuatali Nelmes; Newcastle Airport Chair, Peter Gesling; Newcastle Airport CEO, Peter Cock; and FlyPelican CEO, Paul Graham.

Preparing to board the first flight, Newcastle Airport CEO Peter Cock, said, “I am excited to be flying to Adelaide today, direct for the very first time with Newcastle’s local airline FlyPelican. 

Newcastle-Adelaide has been one our largest unserved markets for some time. There has been overwhelming support for the new destination –  the people of the Hunter and Central Coast are welcoming the direct flights, rather than having to travel indirectly via other ports.” 

FlyPelican is providing the two-hour direct jet service three times per week from Newcastle on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Flying Fokker jet aircraft seating 80 or 100 passengers and offering in-flight catering and no charge for checked baggage allowance, the Newcastle-Adelaide service is ideal for business and leisure.

FlyPelican CEO, Paul Graham, commented, “The big day has arrived for our much anticipated service connecting Newcastle to Adelaide. We are thrilled to be able to offer three return flights a week with very attractive and affordable fares to suit all types of travellers. Forward bookings have been encouraging and we plan to increase frequency as demand grows.”  

Lawrie McKinna, CEO of the Newcastle Jets, said, “For us, choosing to travel with FlyPelican direct to Adelaide is a no brainer. Direct flights to our games in Adelaide will save over 8 hours of travel time across the trip – the boys will arrive in quick time, refreshed and ready to hit the field against the Reds.”

Peter Cock added, “In addition to now being able to visit Adelaide in less time than it takes to drive to Sydney, we also look forward to welcoming plenty of South Australian residents who will want to experience the spectacular greater Hunter region, including our world-class wine and food, and coastal attractions such as the largest moving sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere.”

“The new route will boost tourism, create opportunity for businesses, and provide greater choice and easier links for travellers.  This is another step in creating the airport the region deserves.”

With fares starting from just $179.00 (inclusive of taxes), flights* to Adelaide can be booked through the FlyPelican website, www.flypelican.com.au.

*FlyPelican is partnering with Alliance Airlines who will operate the flights.