Tamworth residents will be able to fly non-stop to Brisbane from early next year as QantasLink launches a new direct route, boosting tourism and giving local residents more flexibility to visit the Sunshine State.
From 29 March 2020, QantasLink will operate six weekly flights between Tamworth and Brisbane on a 74-seat Q400 turboprop aircraft, offering more than 23,000 seats each year for holidaymakers and business travellers.
Direct flights to Brisbane will give Tamworth residents better access to the Queensland capital as well as improved connectivity to the rest of Queensland and international destinations.
The new service will also make it easier for Queenslanders to visit the New England region and enjoy its year-round calendar of events.
QantasLink CEO John Gissing said the new route demonstrated the airline’s continued commitment to Tamworth.
“Qantas has a long and proud history in Tamworth and we’re pleased to be offering this new service and the opportunities it provides,” Mr Gissing said.
“As Australia’s largest regional airline, we know the value of connecting country cities to capitals and we’re proud to be bringing Brisbane a little closer to Australia’s country music capital.
“Direct flights to Brisbane give our Tamworth customers more options for one-stop connections into Queensland and around the world through our international network.”
Member for Tamworth, Kevin Anderson said the addition of the new route was fantastic news for the city.
“This Government has invested more than $6.2 million to upgrade the Tamworth Regional Airport terminal, to make it the front gate for Tamworth to the world,” said Mr Anderson.
“Tamworth has so much to offer as a regional centre of excellence in food production, entertainment, health and education. This air service will help capitalise on what we have to offer.
“I’m really pleased to hear in these tough times that Qantas is prepared to front up and create a new air route for this city.”
Tamworth Regional Council Mayor, Col Murray, is looking forward to the increased connectivity between Brisbane and Tamworth.
“Our growing region has a lot to offer. These additional flights will provide Queenslanders with further opportunities to explore business and leisure in our area and locals with increased accessibility to major centres around the country,” said Mr Murray.
“We are excited to see the economic benefits that this increased connectivity will provide.”
To celebrate the new route, QantasLink is offering special fares of $129 one-way between Tamworth and Brisbane, for select travel dates from 29 March 2020 to 25 October 2020. Fares available to book at qantas.com and through travel agents, and the sale ends on 24 December 2019.
QantasLink currently operates around 29 flights between Tamworth and Sydney each week, operates a heavy maintenance facility in Tamworth and has been the supporting the Tamworth Country Music Festival for nine years.
Qantas and its customers have raised $3 million dollars for drought-affected communities, some of which has been used to supported recent Rural Aid Hay Drops in the New England region.
