Qantas announced it will resume flights between Sydney and the Sunshine Coast – the third retired route to be re-added to the airline’s network this month.
The announcement was made today and comes less than two weeks after reinstating flights on the popular Perth to Singapore route and revealing plans to relaunch direct services between Sydney and San Francisco.
Qantas originally stopped flying to the Sunshine Coast in 2004, when it handed the flights over to its low-cost subsidiary Jetstar.
However, increased demand has prompted the company to operate both carriers on the route.
Sydney and Maroochydore (Sunshine Coast) services will recommence on 21 December with six weekly services.
Initially, the airline will time flights to cater to summer holiday demand. The schedule will be reworked in February next year to meet business demand.
Tickets for the QantasLink’s Boeing 717 flights are officially on sale.
Very exciting news for the Sunshine Coast as the flying kangaroo Qantas returns. Another way to find yourself in the sunshine!
Posted by Visit Sunshine Coast on Tuesday, July 21, 2015
Supporting the resumed Sydney service, Qantas has announced additional changes to its Queensland operations, including the launch of services between Melbourne and the Gold Coast.
The Boeing 737 will be used on flights between the two destinations from 25 October.
Qantas Domestic chief executive officer Andrew David said the network changes were part of the Qantas Group’s twice yearly schedule update.
“These new services help us meet the growing demand for premium leisure services between Sydney and Maroochydore and Melbourne and the Gold Coast.”
Andrew David, Qantas Domestic CEO
Tickets for Melbourne – Gold Coast flights are also on sale.
The Tourism & Transport Forum Australia (TTF) welcomed Qantas’ two routes, saying connections to Australia’s major cities will ‘increase options for domestic travellers’.
“More access to the Gold Coast will also assist with driving visitation to the Commonwealth Games in 2018.”
Margy Osmond, TTF CEO
“It is vital that we collectively continue to take steps to grow demand for travel to and within Australia.”
