![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.