Qantas will launch four additional weekly return flights between Geraldton and Perth following Virgin Australia’s decision to exit the route.
The services, to be operated by QantasLink’s Fokker 100 aircraft, will begin in mid-August 2019, offering 800 seats on the route each week and are in addition to QantasLink’s existing twelve return weekly services.
Seats for these flights will go on sale today with lead-in fares available from $180 one-way.
QantasLink CEO John Gissing said the additional flights would maintain travel options for the Geraldton community.
“As the national carrier, and the country’s largest regional airline, we know how important reliable air travel is for regional communities like Geraldton,” said Mr Gissing.
“We’ve been in discussions with community leaders for the past few months and understand the impact the reduction in services by our competitor would have had for both residents and business travellers.
“We’re pleased to be able to support demand for travel between Geraldton and Perth and provide customers with better connections to flights to the east coast of Australia.”
The additional services will be available to book at qantas.com and through travel agents from today. The flights will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays with the fourth additional service to commence on Sundays from the end of September in line with school holidays.
Qantas recently announced a $5 million grants program to support regional communities across the country. Applications are open and interested community groups can apply via qantas.com/regionalgrants.