Qantas announces new routes, points offer and a supermoon scenic flight
Qantas has been a busy bee lately, announcing a spate of new routes, a points deal for ski enthusiasts and a very special lunar-themed scenic flight.
The national carrier will introduce a direct flight between Adelaide and the Gold Coast from 25 June, with promises of additional routes from Adelaide in the coming weeks.
The new routes follow the national carrier’s decision to house five Embraer E190 aircraft in Adelaide in response to a growing demand for both leisure and corporate travel.
The airline said it plans to use the E190 aircraft to begin flying between Darwin and Canberra from 21 June.
“Basing these aircraft in Adelaide means we can service South Australia better and help bring more visitors to the state,” Alan Joyce, CEO of Qantas Group, said.
“The E190 is a great aircraft for the Adelaide market, with its size, range and economics opening up a number of new destinations that wouldn’t be viable with the larger 737 aircraft.
“Instead of one or two flights a day with a larger aircraft, we can offer three or four flights a day on the E190, which gives customers a lot more choice about when they travel.”
On top of these two new routes, the flying kangaroo plans to launch direct flights from Burnie to Melbourne for the first time in 15 years.
Beginning 21 June 2021, QantasLink will operate seven weekly return flights from Burnie to Melbourne with its 50-seat Q300 turboprop aircraft, adding 700 seats on the route each week.
“We’re pleased to be adding Burnie to our map again to help support growing demand and offer travellers and the business community more choice,” John Gissing, CEO of QantasLink, said.
“Tasmania has been popular with our customers since travel restrictions started to ease last year, and these new flights will make it easier for travellers to experience the culture, natural beauty and wildlife of Burnie and its surrounds.”
For those headed across the ditch for some fresh powder, the airline is now offering Qantas Frequent Flyer members the ability to use their points to pay for lift passes at five snowfields across New Zealand this winter.
Members can use points to book three, four, five and six-day lift passes at Cardrona, Treble Cone, Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and Mount Hutt.
Early bird passes start from 33,000 Qantas Points for three days which, when coupled with a return Classic Rewards booking to New Zealand, means Frequent Flyers could have their flight and lift pass squared away for less than 70,000 Qantas Points.
As a cherry on top of Qantas’ busy week of announcements, the airline is also offering a limited number of people seats on a one-off supermoon scenic flight.
Complete with cosmic cocktails and supermoon cakes, the flight will take place on a B787 Dreamliner with the promise of a closer viewing of the upcoming supermoon later this month.
It will be the second and last supermoon for 2021 and also coincides with a full lunar eclipse, making it a rare double phenomenon, with the moon expected to turn red against the night sky.
CSIRO astronomer Dr Vanessa Moss will work with the pilots to design the optimal flight path over the Pacific Ocean, and will and also join the flight to provide insights into supermoons and all things space and astronomy.
Just over 100 seats went on sale on Wednesday, with fares starting from $499 for economy, $899 for premium economy and $1,499 for business.
The three-hour flight will take place on 26 May, beginning with a scenic flyover of Sydney Harbour before climbing above potential cloud cover and pollution to a cruising altitude of 43,000 feet – the maximum cruising altitude of a Dreamliner – for supermoon and full lunar eclipse viewing.
The flight, which will depart from, and return to, Sydney, is the latest in a series of special flights Qantas has operated for avid flyers while international borders remain shut, including its famous Flight to Nowhere and Flight to Somewhere.
Featured image source: iStock/Alderfen Imagery
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
adelaide alan joyce Burnie canberra Cardrona coronet peak darwin Embraer E190 flights flying kangaroo frequent flyer gold coast john gissing lunar melbourne Mount Hutt new routes points Q300 turboprop qantas qantaslink scenic flight ski south australia supermoon the remarkables Treble ConeLatest News
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!