![QantasLink 717s will operate weekend Sydney-Hervey Bay services. (Rob Finlayson)](http://thewofa.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/BOEING-717-QANTAS-LINK-CNS-APR13-RF-5K5A9515-300x181.jpg)
Qantas says better aircraft utilisation is allowing it to launch five new direct domestic regional routes: Brisbane to Port Macquarie, Melbourne to Coffs Harbour, Sydney to Hervey Bay, Sydney to Hamilton Island and Brisbane to Miles.
“We looked at ways we can better use our aircraft, particularly on the weekends, and found network improvements resulting in additional aircraft being free to support these new routes,” Qantas Domestic CEO Lyell Strambi said on Friday.
“Not only will this provide more choice for our customers, it is a good revenue opportunity for the Qantas Group.”
A daily Q400 service will operate Brisbane-Port Macquarie from May 1; a Melbourne-Coffs Harbour Saturday return 737-800 service will start June 7; Saturday and Sunday return Sydney-Hervey Bay flights will be operated by 717s; 737-800s will operate Sydney-Hamilton Island return services on Wednesdays and Sundays, with an additional Saturday return service during peak periods, commencing July 2; while Dash 8 Q200 and Q300s will operate Brisbane-Miles nine times a week from April 14.
Dane
says:A B738 service to Coffs from Melbourne seems a bit over the top.
Peter
says:Virgin has the B738 on the CFS-MEL route also.
Phil Baker
says:I’m surprised by Brisbane – Miles? I would have thought Dalby makes more sense?
Dee
says:Phil, if you saw the growth of the population in and around Miles due the new power station, and gas pipelines, I think you would agree that Miles is far more able to fill a Q200/300 four days a week than Dalby.
As a point of interest, most of the Caravan Parks in town are now mainly full of “Dongers”, not vans.
Marc
says:Dalby-Bris is only a 2.5hr drive, so flights make no sense. However Miles (& mining areas) is 4hr+ drive. Just on that cusp. Having said that, Gold Coast-Miles would have been the better option to fill seats.