“The NT Government is investing a record $103 million into Turbocharging Tourism, and this announcement is an exciting early win under our stimulus package,” Ms Moss said.

Airnorth is offering two new services every week, on Tuesday and Thursday, to complement services currently offered every Monday, Wednesday and Friday between Darwin and Alice Springs via Katherine and Tennant Creek.

“More tourists means more local jobs and more money into Territorians’ pockets - this new route will help deliver that.

“The route provides another important new connection point for both domestic and international visitors to the Red Centre.

“It also provides Alice Springs residents with a more regular travel route in and out of town, doubling Brisbane to Alice Springs services to four a week. It also means more competition which helps to put downward pressure on airfares.”

Ms Moss said the Government was investing $10.85 million into cooperative marketing with airlines including Virgin, as part of the Turbocharging Tourism package.

“A comprehensive airline incentive package was put to Virgin Australia to support this new route, including a cooperative marketing investment from the NT Government and other support from NT Airports. Along with partner Virgin Australia, the cooperative marketing activity will see promotions and other initiatives interstate to encourage holiday visitation to Alice Springs and the Northern Territory.”

“We continue to work closely with our airline partners to strengthen the viability of existing air routes and increase demand to establish new routes,” Ms Moss said.

“This is an exciting new development for Alice Springs and we welcome this increased commitment from Virgin Australia to the Red Centre.

“I encourage the people of Alice Springs to support this important new service, with flights on sale from this week and flying to commence in time for the mid-year school holidays.”