Qantas will resume daily services from the Gold Coast to meet growing demand for premium leisure and business travel in the region.
From late October, Qantas will commence three daily return services between the Gold Coast and Sydney using Boeing 737-800 aircraft.
The Gold Coast passenger lounge, currently used by Jetstar, will undergo a refurbishment and be reopened as a Qantas Club by the end of 2012. Qantas will also introduce smarter, faster check-in kiosks for ease of checking-in for Qantas passengers at the airport.
Qantas Group Chief Executive Officer Alan Joyce said Qantas was focused on delivering the best network, frequency and service in every part of the market.
“Qantas and all of our people are very excited to return to the Gold Coast and relaunch services between Sydney and the Gold Coast,” Mr Joyce said.
“With the massive development of south-east Queensland, the Gold Coast is Australia’s sixth-largest city and a fast-growing premium travel market.
“Our customers have told us that they want a premium leisure and business service, complementing Jetstar’s existing services as part of our two-brand strategy, and we are responding to that demand.
“Qantas will be the only domestic airline operating out of the Gold Coast which includes the convenience of a meal and checked in baggage for all passengers as part of the fare no matter what time they are flying or which class they are travelling in.”
To mark the announcement, Qantas has brought one of its next generation Boeing 737-800 aircraft with the new Sky Interior to the Gold Coast. The aircraft feature state-of-the-art, touch screen in-flight entertainment from Panasonic for all passengers, and a seating design styled by Marc Newson.
To celebrate the new services, Qantas will offer a 48 hour* special fare of $48 one-way, for travel between Sydney and Coolangatta, available from 1500 AEST Monday 13 August until 1500 AEST Wednesday 15 August unless sold out prior. Special fares will also be available between Coolangatta and other selected Australian cities.
Mr Joyce said Qantas started in Queensland 92 years ago and the airline’s connection with the state had never been stronger.
“The Qantas Group employs more than 5000 people in Queensland, our primary maintenance base is here, we will soon be opening a new catering facility in Brisbane and we are rapidly expanding our regional services throughout Queensland,” he said.
~All flights are subject to last minute aircraft changes.
*Prices based on payment at qantas.com by BPAY. For card payments, add A$7.70 per passenger per booking.