Airlines ramp up services to regional Qld - Larger aircraft and more flights

Brisbane’s connectivity with regional Queensland was further strengthened today with the announcement by QantasLink of new B717 services between BNE-Rockhampton and BNE-Mackay, commencing 15 March and 26 March respectively.

These services are in addition to new B717 flights between BNE-Gladstone also commencing on 15 March.

The communities of Roma, Emerald and Bundaberg will also benefit from extra capacity with the airline increasing the number of weekly flights to each destination.

Collectively, the new B717 services and additional flights will contribute more than 4200 additional seats per week to the schedule.

The news follows hot on the heels of Virgin Australia’s recent announcement that it will be increasing flights between BNE and Gladstone, Rockhampton, Cairns and Proserpine throughout February.

From 13 February, Virgin Australia will also add an extra return flight seven days a week between Brisbane and Melbourne; taking the total number of flights on the route to 13 daily.

BAC CEO and Managing Director, Julieanne Alroe, welcomed the news from both airlines which will have significant positive returns for regional Queensland.

“The growth of regional Queensland’s economy is dependent on strong connectivity with Brisbane and other capital city hubs around the nation.

“The importance of improved access to and frequency of quality air services for regional Queensland cannot be under-estimated.

“With upgraded aircraft servicing regional destinations and increased flights, QantasLink and Virgin Australia have added serious capacity to the market which means greater connectivity, choice and more affordability for travellers.

“We congratulate both Virgin Australia and QantasLink on these new services and look forward to working with the airlines to continue bringing people across Queensland and the world closer together,” Ms Alroe said.

For further details about QantasLink’s new services visit www.qantas.com.

For further details about Virgin Australia’s new services visit www.virginaustralia.com.