The airline will launch Sydney-Launceston service for the summer holidays following the easing of border restrictions between New South Wales and Tasmania. From December 4, 2020, Qantas will introduce three weekly return services, increasing to four a week later.
On Tuesday (October 27, 2020), Qantas announced the launch of three weekly return services between Sydney and Launceston from December 4, 2020, increasing to four flights a week later until February 1, 2021. The new service will provide nearly 900 seats weekly on the route which will be operated with a Boeing 717-200. Qantas has not offered service between Launceston and Sydney since 2004 and if the route proves popular, the carrier will add flights beyond the currently scheduled eight week period. Additionally, with borders reopening, Qantas will also resume flights between Hobart and Sydney with eleven weekly return flights from November 6, 2020. In today’s announcement, Qantas’ Domestic and International CEO, Andrew David, said,
“As the national carrier, we’re delighted to add direct flights between Launceston and Sydney for the first time in 16 years. We know there is huge pent-up demand for domestic travel with Australians looking for new destinations to explore. These new services to Launceston will help more people discover Tasmania’s beautiful north and give locals more options to get to Sydney. We’ll keep a close eye on demand and if it proves successful, we will look to extend the service. We’re delighted to be reconnecting Australia and these flights will help more of our people get back to work.”
With the additional flights, the Qantas Group will offer over 125,000 seats between Tasmania and the mainland during December, representing about 10 percent of the carrier’s domestic published capacity for the month. In celebration of the new route, Qanats is offering limited time one-way fares starting at only $149 through October 30, 2020 (unless sold out earlier).
Source: Qantas