Welcome aboard ... QantasLink will return to the Sunshine Coast on December 21. Picture: Supplied Source: Supplied
QANTAS will compete with low fares partner Jetstar on new services between Sydney and the Sunshine Coast.
For the first time in ten years, Qantas will operate out of Maroochydore from December for an initial sale fare of $89 one way.
The six times a week service by QantasLink will start on December 21 to serve the leisure market, before moving to more business friendly times in February.
Sunny offering ... Qantas will bring around 68,000 people a year to the Sunshine Coast with the resumption of services from Maroochydore. Picture: Megan Slade Source: News Limited
Qantas is also increasing its presence on the Gold Coast with daily flights to Melbourne beginning October 25, for as little as $99 one way initially.
Qantas Domestic General Manager Andrew David said the decision to operate both carriers into the popular tourism destinations showed the Group’s “successful dual brand strategy in action”.
“Offering both airlines on these routes means we can appeal to leisure travellers with Jetstar while Qantas caters for more premium leisure and business customers,” said Mr David.
“Ultimately, it’s about giving people more choice.”
A two-class Boeing 717 seating 110 people will operate on the Sunshine Coast routes, and a 737 on the Melbourne-Gold Coast service.
Ready for service ... QantasLink Boeing 717 will fly from Sydney to the Sunshine Coast from December 21. Picture: News Corp Australia Source: News Corp Australia
Sunshine Coast Destination Limited CEO Simon Ambrose was quick to welcome Qantas’ return to the region.
“The Qantas services will add a new dimension to Sunshine Coast’s tourism sector,” said Mr Ambrose.
“Jetstar and Virgin have been great ambassadors for the Sunshine Coast in the domestic market and have consistently increased services from Sydney and Melbourne, and now Qantas will contribute significantly to growing business travel and conferences.”
He predicted Qantas would find “an instant market” as a result of 9.2 per cent growth in domestic tourism and a burgeoning conference market.
Instant market ... Sunshine Coast tourism expects Qantas will have no trouble filling planes between Sydney and Maroochydore. Picture: Megan Slade Source: News Limited
Tourism and Transport Forum CEO Margy Osmond said investing in new routes was particularly important at a time when tourism was moving towards becoming Australia’s largest service export industry.
“Both the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast have long sustained their reputation as popular holiday destinations for domestic and international visitors alike,” said Ms Osmond.
“In 2014, the Gold Coast hosted over 11 million visitors who collectively spent over $4.6 billion in the region.
“In the same year the Sunshine Coast hosted over 8 million visitors who collectively spent over $2.6 billion.”
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