By Donna Demaio
Jetstar: now flying directly from Melbourne to Uluru.
Low fares carrier Jetstar has begun flying direct from Melbourne to Uluru.
Jetstar Australia and New Zealand CEO David Hall says the Royal visit in April helped put Australia's most iconic natural landmark back in the limelight.
"Bookings are strong since previously Victorians wanting to visit Uluru had to take a chartered flight or travel via Sydney. It's great news for domestic tourism," he said.
Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia spokeswoman Karena Noble says company-chartered weekend flights were full for an entire twelve week period, so the new route is a fantastic and needed development.
"Jetstar offers a very affordable and accessible experience and opens up Uluru to a whole new market. It's an easy weekend away," she said.
"The spiritual heart of Australia is a special place for many Australians and most have it on their bucket list of things to do."
Jetstar spokesman Michael Scott foresees both domestic and international travellers flying out on a Friday and returning on a Sunday, for instance.
"We know that our fares can stimulate markets," he said, calculating that the new Melbourne route could take about 700 people to the Rock each week.
"There's a real desire to experience something a little bit different and there's genuine interest in indigenous tourism," he said.
During the inaugural flight from Melbourne to Uluru, flight attendant Vanessa expressed her delight.
"I'm excited too. The last time I worked on a direct flight to Uluru was with Ansett and I'm not saying how long ago that was," she said.
Jetstar has also increased its direct Sydney to Uluru flights to a daily service.
Return flights from Melbourne will operate Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
Lead in fares on the Airbus A320 are single class, from $169 one way.
Donna Demaio travelled on the inaugural flight courtesy of Jetstar.
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