QantasLink has today started direct flights between Sydney and Gladstone to meet growing customer demand.
The service will be operated by a new 74-seat Next-Generation Q400 aircraft – the 28th Bombardier Q400 to join QantasLink’s expanding fleet. QantasLink is offering a $79 one-way introductory fare* to celebrate the new route.
Operating eight return flights a week – including twice daily on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays – the direct route will give customers access to almost 1,200 seats per week, totalling 11,000 weekly seats in-and-out of Gladstone.
QantasLink Executive Manager, John Gissing, said the service reaffirmed the regional airline’s 31 year commitment to serving Gladstone, a commitment that has grown significantly in the past two years.
“Our customers wanted direct and regular access between Sydney and Gladstone to make travel to and from the capital city more convenient. The new service means customers can now get there more quickly and easily,” said Mr Gissing.
“QantasLink gives Gladstone locals direct access to more destinations than any other airline, including Brisbane, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville, Cairns and now Sydney. We also operate the largest and fastest aircraft in-and-out of Gladstone airport, the Boeing 717.
“We are always exploring regional growth opportunities. The introduction of the Boeing 717 jet services from Brisbane to Gladstone is another example of how we are delivering more capacity and time efficient travel.”
Mr Gissing said QantasLink’s focus on Gladstone is not just a result of the airline’s confidence in the regional business and resource sectors but dedication to leisure travel.
“More flights, bigger aircraft and customer friendly timing, will also give the local community greater access to the wider Qantas network in Australia and around the world.
“Just this month, Emirates started selling airfares to Gladstone to visitors from the United Kingdom, Europe, North Africa, South East Asia and the Middle East as part of Qantas’ joint network with the airline.”
Gladstone passengers can also enjoy the benefits of a newly completed Qantas Regional Lounge.
QantasLink operates a network of 58 metropolitan and country destinations across the country as well as to Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea.
QantasLink has significantly invested in the aircraft it operates with its current fleet of 58 aircraft to grow to 62 over the next 12 months. The airline’s fleet includes 5 Bombardier Q200, 16 Q300, 28 Q400 and 13 Boeing 717 aircraft.
QantasLink will take delivery of an additional three Q400s and 5 Boeing 717s this year to pursue domestic growth.
* To celebrate the direct Sydney-Gladstone route, QantasLink has launched a special one-way introductory fare of $79 for travel from 4 March 2013 to 13 July 2013. (On sale from 1 March 2013 until 8 March 2013. Unless sold out prior. For travel from 4 March 2013 to 13 July 2013 on direct services between Sydney and Gladstone.)