New low-cost carrier at Melbourne Tullamarine

Melbourne has a new low-cost option for air travel to Asia and a new Boeing 787 Dreamliner operator at Tullamarine.

Singapore Airlines-owned Scoot’s inaugural flight TZ22, operated by 787-8 9V-OFC, touched down in the Victorian capital just before 1100 local time on Sunday. The aircraft was on the ground for a little over an hour before departing as TZ21 back to Singapore.

The low-cost carrier will fly five times a week between Singapore and Melbourne with a mixture of Boeing 787-8s and 787-9s. It also serves Perth, Sydney and the Gold Coast from its Singapore hub.

Singapore Airlines, Qantas, Jetstar and Emirates are also on the Melbourne-Singapore route.

“We’re excited about the prospects to boost tourism, business and education-related travel between our two great cities supported,” Melbourne Airport chief executive Lyell Strambi said in a statement.

“It’s also great to see another airline operating the Boeing 787 Dreamliner to Melbourne.”

Air India, Jetstar, Royal Brunei and United are the other 787 operators at Melbourne.

Boeing 787-8 9V-OFC at Melbourne Airport on Sunday November 1 2015. (William Reid)