SkyBus soars into Hobart

SkyBus is set to launch a new dedicated airport service between Hobart CBD and Hobart Airport.

Hobart, AustraliaSkyBus, the Australian-owned business with 40 years’ history in airport passenger transport, currently runs nine services from four airports in Australia and New Zealand, has entered into contractual arrangements to acquire the local service, “Hobart Airporter”.

Subject to receiving appropriate Airport and Government approvals, SkyBus expects to launch this service sometime in July 2018.

“Tourism into Hobart is growing every year and Hobart Airport is growing with future international flights on the drawing board,” SkyBus Director Michael Sewards said.

“We thank the Larrissey family for their assistance in making this transaction possible, and we look forward to now working with Hobart Airport and building and planning on the delivery of our service for the residents, business and tourism operators of Hobart.

“We believe SkyBus can deliver a modern airport bus service to and from Hobart Airport, with multiple stops in and out of the city.

“SkyBus provides affordability with superior service, offering our customers free Wi-Fi, luggage racks, reliable running times, as well as online, mobile and kiosk ticketing options.”

TICT CEO Luke Martin said SkyBus will provide a national level of operation for the Hobart and Tasmanian market.

“SkyBus will provide a quality visitor experience and will completely change the perception of getting in and out of Hobart airport. SkyBus will provide great amenity through the quality of its buses and Wifi for Hobart, which is a world-class city and world-class destination. I believe Tasmanians will embrace the new service,” Mr Martin said.

Hobart Airport CEO Sarah Renner said the announcement was a welcome addition to the services offered at Hobart Airport.

“Hobart Airport has gone through incredible growth in recent years, and the provision of this service can only enhance the visitor experience to the states capital,” Ms Renner said.

Mr Sewards said SkyBus is already a well-known brand in Tasmania, with 22% of domestic passengers in Melbourne coming from the Island State.

“SkyBus is currently transporting 4 million people every year from Tullamarine and Avalon with pax growth averaging 10% every year. We are moving 1 million passengers in Auckland and plan to add four new services in the two countries as soon as the next few months.”

Mr Sewards said SkyBus has received excellent initial support from tourism and government authorities in its bid to gain a Tasmanian foothold.

“Our new Hobart Airport Express will be particularly focused on providing local residents with more choice and affordable transport for their Airport journey. Our focus on customer experience, highly frequent departures and easy ticketing options will provide a competitive option to other more expensive taxi and ride sharing options available.”

SkyBus received its third consecutive Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence in 2018. SkyBus also won the Gold prize at the RACV Victorian Tourism Awards in both 2017 and 2016.

SkyBus operates services to Melbourne City, Southbank, St Kilda, Geelong, Werribee, Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula and the Gold Coast in Australia and Auckland in New Zealand.

Media contact for more information

A.Mark Thomas​ – M&M Communications
Telephone +61 422 006 732