QantasLink to start Melbourne to Sunshine Coast flights
QantasLink will commence seasonal direct flights between Melbourne and the Sunshine Coast over the upcoming peak summer holiday period following the success of the direct Sydney services launched last year.
QantasLink will commence seasonal direct flights between Melbourne and the Sunshine Coast over the upcoming peak summer holiday period following the success of the direct Sydney services launched last year.
QantasLink will operate four return flights per week between Melbourne and the Sunshine Coast from December 16, 2016 to January 21, 2017 on its two class Boeing 717 aircraft.
In addition to QantasLink’s current schedule of six return flights from Sydney, providing 1320 seats to and from the region every week, the airline will further increase flights with an additional return service on Saturday and Sunday from October 30.
QantasLink Chief Executive Officer John Gissing said the seasonal flights from Melbourne and expanded weekend schedule from Sydney would meet increased demand and were part of the airline’s commitment to supporting local tourism.
“We’re pleased to offer our customers in Victoria direct flights to the Sunshine Coast this summer as it’s proved to be a popular destination for Australians looking to holiday close to home,” Mr Gissing said.
“We’re always looking at opportunities to expand our network where there is demand, and of course promote the best of what Australia has to offer.
“We’ve seen consistently high passenger numbers on our Sydney to Sunshine Coast services and this prompted us to introduce these seasonal flights.”
Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson welcomed the new flights today, saying they were a win for Sunshine Coast locals looking to travel to Victoria as well as holidaymakers from the southern states planning on visiting the Coast over the Christmas-New Year school holidays.
“It is almost a year to the day that we announced the Flying Kangaroo’s return to the Sunshine Coast with its Sydney schedule and look at the great progress that has been made over those 12 months,” Mayor Jamieson said.
“The services that began in December with a leisure-based schedule and then switched to business flight timings in February have been so successful that Qantas has now expanded its Sunshine Coast connection with these Melbourne flights and additional weekend Sydney flights.
“This is an outstanding show of support from Qantas and I’m sure will be much appreciated by our local residents and visitors.”
Visit Sunshine Coast acting CEO Simon Latchford applauded the decision by Qantas, saying the move is a huge win for travellers and the Sunshine Coast tourism industry.
“Today’s announcement highlights Qantas’ strong commitment to the Sunshine Coast and provides more choice for visitors during the peak summer holiday period,” Mr Latchford said.
“This is another significant milestone for our growing tourism industry, supports our growing popularity as a destination and aligns with our domestic marketing efforts to attract more visitors from Victoria.
“We know the flights in December and January will significantly boost domestic tourism to meet a growing demand during this busy time and are optimistic the trial period will be extended into 2017.”
Background
- The seasonal Melbourne-Sunshine Coast services will commence from December 16, 2016 through to January 21, 2017 return flights scheduled at various times operating on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday each week.
- Tickets for Melbourne – Sunshine Coast services will go on sale August 2, 2016.
- The additional Sydney-Sunshine Coast Services will commence from October 30.
Saturday: Sydney-Sunshine Coast QF 1580 Dep: 9.40; Arr: 10.15am
Sunshine Coast-Sydney QF1581 Dep: 11am; Arr: 1.40pm
Sunday: Sydney-Sunshine Coast QF 1580 Dep: 3.40pm; Arr: 4.15pm
Sunshine Coast-Sydney QF1581 Dep: 5pm; Arr: 7.40pm