The Qantas Group today announced new services to its international and domestic network into Queensland, giving customers more direct travel options at home and overseas.

Internationally, Qantas will increase its upcoming Brisbane–Tokyo (Narita) service from four to seven return flights a week. This change to the previously announced route, which starts in August, represents an increase in seats of 75 per cent to over 4000 seats a week.

Domestically, more than 15,000 seats a year will be added to the Whitsunday Coast region as part of a dual brand revamp to Qantas and Jetstar’s flying.

From 27 June, Qantas will introduce a twice weekly return service between Melbourne and Hamilton Island – taking over the route from Jetstar. In turn, Jetstar will start operating a direct three-times weekly service between Melbourne and the Whitsunday Coast Airport (Proserpine) from 25 June 2015.

Qantas’ Regional Manager for Queensland, Peter Collyns, said the announcement demonstrated the Group’s commitment to growing inbound and outbound visitors at all points in the market.

“This is great news for Qantas customers who now have a range of new, direct travel options on our international and domestic network,” Mr Collyns said.

“We’ve worked closely with Brisbane Airport to increase our upcoming Tokyo route to a daily service, as well as Tourism and Events Queensland and the Queensland Government. This is a big positive for local tourism because it makes Queensland even more accessible to Japanese travellers.

“Qantas customers now have a direct premium service from Melbourne to Hamilton Island, and Jetstar will offer the only low fares between Melbourne and the Whitsunday Coast Airport,” Mr Collyns said.

Jetstar Australia and New Zealand Chief Executive Officer David Hall said he was impressed by the revitalisation taking place in Airlie Beach during a visit to the region in December 2014.

“We know that local tourism operators have been calling for a direct Melbourne service for some time and Jetstar is delighted to offer it with the support of the Whitsunday Regional Council,” Mr Hall said.

“Low fares encourage more travel demand and there will be plenty of Melbournians looking for some warmer weather when this new service starts in June.”

*Subject to regulatory approval.