The Northern Territory government  has released a five-year blueprint aimed at building aviation and tourism links to the region.  Tourism minister Malarndirri McCarthy said the government’s plan was to have airlines operating into the Territory 24 hours a day over the next five years. By 2030, the expectation is for three services per day from most Australian capital cities.

“This strategy also aligns with the Territory Government’s Territory 2030, which has clear targets including a 50% increase in passenger traffic to Darwin by 2014 and a 20% increase to Alice Springs,” she said.

Other highlights of the strategy programme include trying to attract a full service international airline and expanding Darwin International airport into an aviation hub.  McCarthy  met with officials from Malaysia Airlines and Tiger Airways earlier this year in an effort to convince the carriers to operate more international flights from Darwin. 

McCarthy added that it will work with the Australian Government to minimise the cost of providing aviation security  at Darwin and Alice Springs airports. “Aviation Futures 2015 is the blueprint to increase and  sustain air services to the Northern Territory,” she added.

Darwin airport has come under fire for its airport charges in the past, including a much-publicised spat with Jetstar last year.

Editors Comments: NT have really got a 'go get'em' tourism office, good on them, but hey, we've got a brilliant new airport emerging, as we speak, from behind the scaffolding and site boards, what about some State funding to wake Qantas up to reopen it'd dormant routes to bring us a few more people.   Or better yet, save your breath and let's talk to some new airlines who might remember how to fly to Cairns!