Marking the first time it has flown the route, Qantas has kicked off its new Brisbane to Port Vila (Vanuatu) service today.
Utilising its B737, Qantas will operate the new flights three times per week – on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday.
According to the airline, its first flight this morning, QF159, was at full capacity for the three-hour journey.
Complementing the new service, Qantas subsidiary Jetstar will also commence four-times-weekly flights between Sydney and Port Vila from 12 December 2024.
With the flights, Qantas Group will add more than 150,000 new seats each year between Australia and Vanuatu.
The new flights should offer a much-needed boost for tourism to Vanuatu, which suffered a massive setback when its national airline Air Vanuatu went into administration earlier this year.
The flying kangaroo has hopped onto four new international routes from Brisbane in the past 12 months, following the commencement of Brisbane-Wellington and Brisbane-Honiara flights in October 2023 and the launch of Brisbane-Manila flights next month.
“We are thrilled to expand our network with the introduction of direct flights between Brisbane and Port Vila,” Qantas Group CEO International Cam Wallace said.
“This new route will maintain connectivity between Australia and the South Pacific, opening new opportunities for leisure and business travel to the region.
“With its lush landscapes and crystal blue waters, Vanuatu is a truly remarkable destination and we are proud to offer our customers more ways to experience its natural beauty.”
Brisbane Airport CEO Gert-Jan Graaff said the new route “reinforces Brisbane Airport’s role as Australia’s Pacific hub”.
“The service offers Queenslanders an easy escape to paradise on our doorstep. It also provides the growing number of people from Vanuatu now living in Queensland, particularly those working in the agricultural sector, with direct access to home and family,” he added.
Meanwhile, Vanuatu Tourism Office CEO Adela Issachar Aru said, “The launch of Qantas’ inaugural flight from Brisbane to Port Vila marks a significant milestone for Vanuatu’s tourism industry and strengthens our connectivity with Australia”.
“Vanuatu offers an unforgettable escape, where travellers can immerse themselves in stunning landscapes, rich kastom, and adventure,” she remarked.
“We can’t wait to welkam Qantas customers to our shores and share the beautiful experiences our 83 islands have to offer.”
In a further boost to Vanuatu travel, Virgin Australia upped its weekly Vanuatu services from Brisbane to Port Vila to seven return flights per week in July, with the Federal Government giving it the go-ahead to increase capacity even further during peak periods.
