TAMWORTH Airport will again have competition following the announcement of Virgin Australia flights on Thursday.
From May 25, the airline with operate six return services between Tamworth and Sydney each week.
Virgin Australia chief executive John Borghetti was in the regional city this morning, saying the service would bring competition and choice to the Tamworth region for the first time since 2001.
Having a second carrier connecting to Sydney should see prices become more competitive between Virgin and the current airline service, Qantas.
"Tamworth is both a thriving commercial hub and a tourist destination, and the introduction of six Virgin Australia services between Tamworth and Sydney per week will support the ongoing development of Tamworth as an important regional destination.
Virgin Australia will operate a return flight every day (excluding Saturday) departing Sydney at 1.55pm arriving into Tamworth at 3.00pm. The flight will depart Tamworth at 3.30pm arriving into Sydney at 4.35pm.
The announcement was one of many by the National Party today, with Deputy Premier Troy Grant also announcing $6 million to encourage more conferences to regional area.
"Tamworth is the commercial capital of the North West and increasing the flights in and out of the town improves its attractiveness to businesses and tourists alike," Mr Grant said.
"Boosting regional conferences will provide direct jobs, help increase motel and hotel room occupancy rates and provide flow on benefits to cafes, entertainment and tourism businesses."
