The Tasmanian government is supporting Sharp Airlines’ route between King Island and Melbourne Essendon, scheduled to operate from October 2026 until the end of April 2027.
About Sharp Airlines
Sharp Airlines was founded in 1990 in Hamilton, Victoria, Australia, as a regional carrier. Nonetheless, the airline also offers chartered flights to Tasmania. Sharp Airlines has four central bases across Australia:
- Launceston Airport, Launceston, Tasmania.
- Essendon Airport, Melbourne.
- Brisbane Airport, Brisbane.
- Adelaide Airport, Adelaide.
The carrier operates small aircraft, but it is capable of conducting relatively long flights. It consists of 23 aircraft, both passenger- and cargo-carrying.
These are solely Fairchild models, with the passenger-carrying ones being five SA227-AC Metro III, one SA227-CC Metro 23, and 12 SA227-DC Metro 23. All models can carry up to 19 travellers.
The New Service
The Tasmanian government will support flights operated by the airline to and from King Island and Melbourne Essendon. Roger Jaensch, the minister of tourism, hospitality, and events, has stated that the government is set to fund the route, as well as work with the airline to finalise the schedules.
In April 2026, the route was suspended because the airline could no longer finance it. Alistair Dorward, the carrier’s chief executive, said in February that the route would need government financial support to be viable.
The schedule indicates that the route will resume as the Australian summer reaches its peak, which is likely to boost the region’s tourism.
What other destinations do you think the carrier should add? Why do you think so? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
