QantasLink is today celebrating the launch of its direct flights to Kangaroo Island providing travellers with access to a popular new destination. Year-round flights from Adelaide commenced today, with seasonal Melbourne flights to commence on 17 December.

The launch also marks an industry-first with Kangaroo Island becoming the airline’s first carbon neutral destination. In partnership with the South Australian Government, Qantas will fully offset all flights to the Island by supporting new tree planting projects set to deliver local environmental, economic and community benefits, while continuing to drive awareness for Qantas customers to “Fly Carbon Neutral” right across the network.

QF2142 departed Adelaide this morning marked by celebrations for customers at the gate and a water cannon salute for the aircraft on the tarmac.

Speaking at the launch, QantasLink CEO John Gissing said the new routes were an example of the regional carrier growing its network to meet demand and would unlock new opportunities for South Australia’s booming ecotourism industry.

“We’re excited to now be flying direct to Kangaroo Island, saving travellers time and encouraging more local and international visitors to add this beautiful destination to their list,” Mr Gissing said.

“Over a third of the Island is dedicated national parks, offering natural beauty and unique wildlife. We’re pleased to be promoting Kangaroo Island as an environmentally sustainable tourism destination by supporting new carbon offset projects on the Island and encourage Qantas customers to do the same when they fly on other parts of our network.

“We appreciate the support of the South Australian Government, Adelaide Airport and the Kangaroo Island Council to enable more visitors to experience this world-class destination.”

South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill said: “Kangaroo Island is already one of our state’s most popular tourism destinations, and now thanks to Qantas even more people will be able to enjoy the island’s premium food and wine, meet the local wildlife and explore the spectacular natural wonders.

“Tourism is one of our state’s great growth industries and these new services are expected to see visitor numbers grow further, strengthening ecotourism and creating new investment on the Island.

“There are many opportunities for private investors to be part of Kangaroo Island’s bright future. Government and privately-funded projects totalling $171 million are already proposed or approved across the Island.​”

QantasLink will provide around 20,000 seats a year on its two new Kangaroo Island routes using its 50 seat Q300 and 74 seat Q400 aircraft.

Flights from Adelaide operate three times per week year-round, increasing to five times per week over the peak summer season through to Easter. Seasonal flights from Melbourne will commence on 17 December 2017, operating three times per week during the peak summer holiday season through to the end of January.

Kangaroo Island is the 56th destination on the QantasLink network and the fourth South Australian destination after Adelaide, Port Lincoln and Whyalla.

Qantas Future Planet 

Qantas has the world’s largest airline carbon offset program, Qantas Future Planet, and with the help of our customers we have already offset more than three million tonnes of carbon, which is the equivalent of taking 1.1 million cars off the road.

As Kangaroo Island will be a carbon neutral destination, Qantas customers that opt to Fly Carbon Neutral when they book will contribute to more than carbon offsetting; they will travel carbon positive. Customers can offset any flight when booking with Qantas.com, or any flight in the world at any time by visiting Qantas Future Planet.

Kangaroo Island peak season schedule 

**Adelaide flights to operate five days per week from 4 December 2017 to 1 April 2018. From 2 April 2018, flights will operate three days per week – on Monday, Wednesday and Saturdays.
^ Melbourne peak season flights will operate from 17 December 2017 to 28 January 2018