Regional Express Airlines' 18-year monopoly on flights to and from Broken Hill is over, with QantasLink emerging as competition for the carrier.
According to the Qantas website, the second airline will be flying in and out of the Silver City starting in early April.
Rex has been the only carrier operating in the region since 2004, with Horizon the last competitor.
From April 8, the airline will operate two weekly return flights between Sydney and Broken Hill with its 50-seat Q300 aircraft.
According to QantasLink CEO John Gissing the new plans will not only benefit locals but bring tourists to far western New South Wales.
"The new route will make it easier for travellers to experience Broken Hill's rich history, growing cultural scene, and spectacular natural surrounds."
Broken Hill Mayor Tom Kennedy said it was an important step for the future of the city on a number of fronts.
"Air travel is of vital importance to our community for tourism, health, and education, and I'd like to thank Qantas for providing locals with more options and more flexibility by offering their services out of Broken Hill," he said.
It follows Rex's continued expansion over the last year into traditional metropolitan routes like Sydney to Melbourne.
A potential bonanza?
In November last year, budget international carrier Bonza signalled its intention to operate out of Broken Hill.
However, without further upgrades to the city's airport the company's fleet of Boeing 737-8s would be unable to land.
The ABC has reached out to Rex for comment.
