Singapore Airlines is set to offer direct flights between Canberra, Wellington and Singapore in a bid to facilitate new opportunities in both travel and trade.
The construction of Canberra Airport's new lounge is now well underway, but the hope is that, upon completion, it will function less as a holding area, and more like a gateway to Asia that will supercharge business to the region.
"It marks the internationalisation of our city, but it's also a very significant step forward for business,", Chief Executive Officer of Canberra Airport Stephen Byron said.
From September 21, international travellers from the Australian Capital Territory and surrounding areas will no longer need to fly out of the country from Sydney or Melbourne to reach Singapore or Wellington.
Canberra Airport will launch four international flights a week, connecting the capital to both destinations.
Singapore Airlines spokesman Karl Schubert says it is an initiative that has been three years in the making.
"Ultimately, what that we'll help to do within the Canberra region is not just open Canberra to the world but provide an opportunity for Canberra businesses to take themselves to the world as well," Mr Schubert said.
And it will not be just travellers, international students and diplomats on board. Transport Minister Darren Chester believes new trade routes will open up for local agricultural producers.
"[There will be] opportunities for our agriculture producers to get cargo on board the plane as well, servicing markets in New Zealand and Singapore in a far more efficient way than they have in the past," he said.
The federal government says agribusiness in the region will have better access to Asian markets, where demand for their product is high.
Canberra Airport also hopes the move will help travellers use the routes as a springboard to further international travel.
And while Singapore is just the beginning, Australia also has its hopes set on Asia's largest market: China.
Travellers from China make up the biggest source of international visitors to Canberra, with over 28,000 arriving in the capital last year.
Mr Byron said he hopes the airport's new international flight facilities will draw interest from Chinese airlines too.
"We're seeing a number of the carriers in China establishing new, direct services to the capital cities. And we are going to be the next capital city in Australia that will have direct flights to China," he said.
Canberra Airport's international terminal is expected to open in September 2016.
