Qantas Jetstar jumpstart QLD flying

Qantas Jetstar jumpstart QLD flying
By Hannah Edensor


The Qantas Group today announced new services to its international and domestic network into Queensland.

Customers will have more direct travel options both at home and overseas, with Qantas increasing its upcoming Brisbane–Tokyo (Narita) service from four to seven return flights a week.

This change to the previously announced route, which kicks off in August, represents an increase in seats of 75% to over 4000 seats a week.

Domestically, more than 15,000 seats a year will be added to the Whitsunday Coast region as part of a dual brand revamp to Qantas and Jetstar’s flying.

From June 27, Qantas will introduce a twice weekly return service between Melbourne and Hamilton Island, taking the route from Jetstar’s hands, while Jetstar commences a direct three-times weekly service between Melbourne and the Whitsunday Coast Airport (Proserpine) from June 25 2015.

Qantas’ regional manager for Queensland, Peter Collyns, said the announcement demonstrated the Group’s commitment to growing inbound and outbound visitors at all points in the market.

“This is great news for Qantas customers who now have a range of new, direct travel options on our international and domestic network,” Collyns said.

“We’ve worked closely with Brisbane Airport to increase our upcoming Tokyo route to a daily service, as well as Tourism and Events Queensland and the Queensland Government. This is a big positive for local tourism because it makes Queensland even more accessible to Japanese travellers.

“Qantas customers now have a direct premium service from Melbourne to Hamilton Island, and Jetstar will offer the only low fares between Melbourne and the Whitsunday Coast Airport.”

Jetstar Australia and New Zealand chief executive officer, David Hall, said he was impressed by the revitalisation taking place in Airlie Beach in particular.

“We know that local tourism operators have been calling for a direct Melbourne service for some time and Jetstar is delighted to offer it with the support of the Whitsunday Regional Council,” he commented.

“Low fares encourage more travel demand and there will be plenty of Melbournians looking for some warmer weather when this new service starts in June.”

Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ) chief executive, Leanne Coddington, also welcomed the news and Qantas’ support of Queensland tourism on the whole.

“Today’s announcement is terrific news for our industry and will provide international and Australian travellers with better access to a range of popular Queensland destinations,” Coddington said.

“TEQ has worked closely with Qantas and Brisbane Airport Corporation to support the Tokyo route which will have the capacity to bring more than 100,000 extra travellers to Queensland each year.

“The daily flights will play a significant role in driving more Japanese visitors to Queensland and complements Jetstar’s existing services into Cairns and the Gold Coast.”

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