Tasmania in talks with SIA, Cathay Pacific over direct flights, says its premier

Singaporeans travelling to Tasmania could have an easier time getting there, with national carrier Singapore Airlines (SIA) in discussions to launch non-stop flights to the Australian island state.

- Kok Yufeng

Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff revealed on Nov 18 that the state government is in talks with SIA and Hong Kong flag carrier Cathay Pacific to establish direct flights from Asia to Hobart, the capital of the Australian state.

"These are two world-leading air carriers, and we'd love to see them flying direct to Hobart," Mr Rockliff said in an interview with news outlet Pulse Tasmania. He also shared news of the potential flights on his social media pages.

At present, travellers to Hobart from Singapore will have to take either a domestic flight within Australia or a ferry from Melbourne.

SIA did not confirm it is in talks to launch a non-stop service to Hobart, saying only that it reviews its network and the destinations it serves regularly.

"Should there be any new additions to our network, we will announce them publicly at the appropriate time," a spokesperson for the airline said.

The Straits Times has also contacted Cathay Pacific for comment.