Canberra Airport officially has international services and it’s to more than just one overseas destination!
Singapore Airlines this morning confirmed it will fly to the destination from Singapore and onwards to… Wellington!
That’s right, Canberra is getting two international services! From zero to two in one day!
It’s big news for the airport, which has dedicated the last few years to improving infrastructure in order to attract international airlines.
Dubbed the ‘Capital Express’ route, the airline will fly SQ292/291 Canberra-Singapore and then Canberra-Wellington.
Subject to regulatory approval (although who in the government would break Canberra Airport’s heart like that), it will be the first time Australia and New Zealand’s capital cities will be serviced by non-stop flights four times a week.
Flights will operate from September this year on Singapore Airlines’ Boeing 777-200 fitted with 38 Business Class seats and 228 Economy Class seats.
Singapore Airlines’ CEO, Goh Choon Phong, said the service reflects the “close ties between the three countries”. He expects travellers will love the convenience the flights will offer, particularly between Australia and New Zealand.
“We are excited about the prospects for our new ‘Capital Express’ route, which we are confident will appeal to leisure, government and corporate travellers.”
Goh Choon Phong, Singapore Airlines CEO
Canberra Airport Chairman, Mr Terry Snow AM, said the decision by Singapore Airlines to begin operations was justification of the long-term vision that Canberra Airport has had for many years.
“We have worked closely with the ACT Government and VisitCanberra, and particularly Chief Minister Andrew Barr who over many years has been unwavering in his passion and support for our quest to gain direct international flights,” he said.
“I can think of no better partner than Singapore Airlines with its reputation for quality and excellence to be the first to set Canberra Airport on this historic course.”
Tickets for the new Capital Express service will be on sale from 25 January with Economy Class fares starting at $650 all-inclusive for Canberra-Singapore and $469 Canberra-Wellington.
The announcement comes a week after the airline denied having anything “new” to report to KarryOn. Click here for more.