(TAN): Qantas will help maintain critical transport links to key regional cities, following Virgin Australia’s decision to exit a number of markets, Australia’s flagship airline said.
Subject to state borders opening, Qantas will launch new flights from Brisbane to Port Macquarie. The flights will be operated up to five times per week with the airline’s Q400 turboprop aircraft, adding more than 700 seats on the route each week.
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Qantas will also look to backfill capacity on other regional routes, with flights added in line with demand and an easing of travel restrictions.
QantasLink CEO John Gissing said the new flights would help maintain travel options for regional communities and drive much-needed tourism. “As the national carrier, and the country’s largest regional airline, we have an important role to play in driving tourism and helping the industry get back on its feet,” said Gissing.