The Chief Minister, Andrew Barr, has welcomed the introduction of a new daily direct flight from Canberra to Singapore which was launched by Singapore Airlines this week.
Mr. Barr said the airline’s decision to increase the number of flights from Canberra came after the success of the current Canberra to Singapore service, which had offered four flights a week.
“This service has been operating for almost two years, and the decision to move to daily flights in a new aircraft should see even more visitors coming from Singapore to the nation’s capital,” Mr Barr said.
“This new service will also support local businesses looking to expand into South East Asia.”
He noted that earlier this year, Qatar Airways had begun flights from Canberra Airport to Doha via Sydney, offering a streamlined service for Canberrans travelling to Europe and the Middle East.
“Having two world renowned airlines offering direct international connections from Canberra Airport is a testament to the hard work of the Government and the Airport Group to attract international carriers,” Mr Barr said.
“Already, these services have contributed to record numbers of international visitors to our city, boosting our tourism industry which now employs over 16,000 Canberrans.”
He said he was continuing to work with the Canberra Airport Group to attract more direct international carriers, with a focus on establishing links to China and Auckland.
“China continues to be the top tourism market for Canberra, and direct services to Auckland will provide improved access to North America,” Mr Barr said.
