Country artist Lee Kernaghan, a platinum frequent flyer, was the special guest on the flight, performing for passengers mid-flight and Tamworth’s golden girl Ashleigh Dallas performed for passengers in the terminal.

“I’ve sung in a lot of places, but never 20,000 feet in the air,” Kernaghan said.

“I’m a member of the Outback Club, but I’m not sure if there’s another club I could join now. This is a big commitment by Virgin to Tamworth and they see huge potential

in the region. There are very exciting times ahead for the city of Tamworth.”

Virgin Australia marketing manager Alexandra O’Connor said she was delighted to celebrate this, the airline’s inaugural flight into Tamworth.

“Virgin has a history of bringing choice and competition to routes,” she said.

“Where better than Tamworth, which has such a proud history in aviation and is the gateway to the New England. We have been given such a warm welcome. We are excited to share our own brand of service.”

Ms O’Connor said getting Virgin to Tamworth was due to the tireless efforts of Tamworth Regional Council and airport manager Julie Stewart and their teams.

Kernaghan said he was “absolutely thrilled” to be part of such an historic flight.

“This is a great thing for the city of Tamworth,” he said.

“Tamworth is not only the country music capital of Australia, it’s the music capital and this bodes very well for the future. Virgin Australia is the best airline I’ve ever flown on because it’s the people at Virgin Australia that makes Virgin great.”

“I congratulate the city of Tamworth and Virgin for making Tamworth their home.”

The country artist said Virgin was renowned for looking after musicians and major touring outfits and productions.

“This makes it so much easier to get in here with choice and competition,” he said.

Tamworth acting mayor Russell Webb said this was “a wonderful day for Tamworth, the airport and our region”.

“This will truly deliver our region an opportunity to build our air travel capacity to the region,” he said.

“Having the two major airlines here will undoubtedly increase passenger numbers on an annual basis. This will increase our capacity with terminal upgrades, parking and apron upgrades.”

Kris Wozniak was a passenger on the inaugural flight and was excited when he discovered his favourite country artist also on the aircraft with him.

He said he tried out Virgin after a recommendation from a friend after flying other airlines, and had never looked back.

“That was one of the smoothest flights I’ve been on and the best flight I’ve had,” Mr Wozniak said.

“ I didn’t even know it was the inaugural flight. I just try to book Virgin whenever I fly and Lee Kernaghan is my favourite country music singer.” 

The airline will offer six return flights between Sydney and Tamworth each week.