There is confidence a new airplane leased by the Australian Antarctic Division could also enhance Australia's aerial surveillance capabilities.

The division's headquarters in Hobart has taken delivery of an Airbus 319, which will make 10 to 20 flights each summer from Hobart to the Wilkins runway near Casey Station.

The trip will take just over four hours by air, instead of an average of 10 days by ship.

The Antarctic Division's director, Tony Press, says the plane can make the return journey to Antarctica without refuelling and this long-range capability could benefit other agencies.

"We're able to use this aircraft for instance to see what's happening in the Southern Ocean," he said.

"This aircraft is capable say of flying from Perth out to the Herd Island region if need be and do aerial surveillance out there."