QantasLink has today announced it will deploy larger aircraft and increase flights during peak periods across New South Wales from April 2013.

Tamworth, Armidale, Coffs Harbour and Dubbo will all benefit from the changes which will cater for the current and future growth of the regions. The Tamworth community will also benefit from the establishment of a Qantas regional lounge at Tamworth Airport.

QantasLink Executive Manager, John Gissing, said QantasLink was pleased to be able to offer the new services to regional NSW customers as part of its growth strategy.

“Our customers wanted access to more seats at peak times and greater choice. QantasLink’s service expansion across Tamworth, Armidale, Coffs Harbour and Dubbo will deliver on this,” Mr Gissing said.

“The changes are a clear indication of the confidence we have in New South Wales’ regional business and leisure tourism market.

“As well as benefiting local businesses and tourism operators, improved capacity and scheduling will give the local community more seamless and accessible travel opportunities.”

New South Wales Deputy Premier, Andrew Stoner, said this was great news for local residents, businesses and tourism operators.

“The NSW Government is committed to growing regional economies and we welcome QantasLink’s decision to increase the frequency and capacity of flights to major regional cities,” said Mr Stoner.

Key changes include:

– Tamworth – an additional eight flights per week between Tamworth and Sydney will increase seats from 3,800 to 4,400 per week. New early morning and afternoon services to and from Tamworth will give customers travelling in peak periods more choice.

– Dubbo – an additional eight flights per week between Dubbo and Sydney will increase seats from 2,800 to 3,100 per week, flight frequency will increase from 4 to 5 daily flights on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and 3 to 4 on Sunday and a Q400 aircraft and Dash 8 Q200 will help service the additional capacity.

– Armidale – all flights will be operated on the larger Dash 8 Q300 aircraft increasing seats between Armidale and Sydney from 2,900 to 3,100 per week. Schedule changes in the morning and afternoon will also provide a greater spread of flight options throughout the day.

– Coffs Harbour – flight frequency between Coffs Harbour and Sydney has been increased from 66 to 70 flights per week and a more corporate focused flight timetable will see the addition of an early morning week day flight for corporate and government travellers.

Mr Gissing said QantasLink was delighted to announce the construction of a $400,000 lounge at Tamworth Airport, the 12th Qantas regional lounge in its network.

“The new lounge will give Tamworth customers a premium QantasLink experience from the time they arrive at Tamworth Airport until they reach their destination,” he said.

“Qantas’ regional lounges are modelled on our Qantas Clubs and offer guests a quiet space to relax before their flight. The new Tamworth lounge will include complimentary light refreshments and beverages, wireless internet, Foxtel and comfortable seating.”

The combination of flight frequency and larger aircrafts means over 15,000 seats are now available each week between Sydney and Dubbo, Armidale, Coffs Harbour and Tamworth.

QantasLink recently announced direct flights between Sydney and Gladstone to commence on 4 March 2013.

QantasLink currently employs approximately 100 people in Tamworth across engineering, finance, customer service and ground operations.