Your clients will have more choice flying in and out of Queensland, as the Qantas Group adds new services to its international and domestic network.
Internationally, Qantas will increase its upcoming Brisbane–Tokyo (Narita) service from four to seven return flights a week. This change to the previously announced route, which starts in August, represents an increase in seats of 75 percent to over 4,000 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 27 June, Qantas will introduce a twice weekly return service between Melbourne and Hamilton Island – taking over the route from Jetstar. In turn, Jetstar will start operating a direct three-times weekly service between Melbourne and the Whitsunday Coast Airport (Proserpine) from 25 June 2015.
Qantas’ Queensland-based regional manager said the changes are part of the group’s commitment to increasing visitors to and from all points in the destination.
“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.”
Peter Collyns, Qantas regional manager Queensland
Meanwhile, Jetstar Australia and New Zealand boss David Hall said he is impressed by the revitalisation taking place in Airlie Beach during a visit to the region in December 2014.
“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.”
David Hall, Jetstar Australia and New Zealand chief executive
Earlier this month, an analyst said Qantas is poised to reveal an underlying profit of around $1 billion this year.
USB analyst Simon Mitchell said the airline might reach its 2008 record of $1 billion for the first time in years, The Sydney Morning Herald reported.