SilkAir to Darwin
Tues "The Australian"
SilkAir takes a southern dive
By Steve Creedy
December 23, 2003
Singapore Airlines has hailed the first flights to Australia by subsidiary SilkAir as a "good first step" which could lead to operations into the Northern Territory.
SilkAir will operate two charters using A320 and A319 aircraft into Darwin in February.
A German travel company will use the jets to bring 256 tourists to the territory as part of the package.
Germany is the territory's biggest source of international tourists and the NT Government had put a business case to SilkAir arguing that it could begin charters.
Acting NT Chief Minister Syd Stirling said yesterday the German decision to charter aircraft added weight to the argument that the time was right for increased international services to the territory.
SilkAir said the charters, worth about $200,000 in direct visitor spending to the NT, would raise awareness of the Territory and heighten the possibility of future operations to Darwin.
The airline said the challenge for NT tourism officials was to build markets with sustainable yield.
SIA is also joining forces with other investors on a low-cost carrier with planes able to reach Darwin.
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