Shaving hours off journey times for inbound Asian and European travellers, Qantas’ new twice-weekly 737-800 year-round service between Darwin International Airport and Uluru commenced today.

The new service links the Northern Territory’s capital with its, and perhaps Australia’s, most iconic attraction for the first time.

Operating on Wednesdays and Saturdays, the new route is the only flight from the Qantas Group that offers a full domestic service, including business class, between Uluru and Darwin/Adelaide.

“The direct flights from Darwin to Uluru will give both locals and international tourists some extra options when planning their visit to the ‘Red Centre’.

“For many Territorians who have never visited Uluru, this is a great chance for them to tick it off their bucket list,” said Ian Kew, chief executive of Northern Territory Airports.

As well as providing enhanced opportunities for leisure travellers wishing to visit Uluru, the new connection is hoped to attract both international and interstate conference incentive groups, as partner organisation Voyages is very active in this sector.

Qantas Domestic chief executive, Andrew David, said: “We’re seeing more demand for travel to Uluru from international and interstate tourists than we have seen in a long time.

“In the past few years the Qantas Group has added new routes and more flights to Uluru from Brisbane and Sydney, and now from Adelaide and Darwin.

“The direct flights offer a new convenient option from Adelaide and Darwin, saving travellers up to five hours’ time instead of travelling on flights via other cities.

“We’re committed to working closely with tourism bodies, hotels, tour operators and airports to get behind these routes, continuing to drive demand, not just to Uluru, but across all parts of the Territory.”