The Hunter region will benefit from more direct flights to Melbourne with Qantas today launching a new route from Newcastle to the Victorian capital.
The first Qantas flight connecting the 2 cities in more than ten years departed Newcastle for Melbourne this morning, marked by celebrations for customers at the gate.
The national carrier will operate 12 weekly return flights with its 125-seat Boeing 717 plane, adding more than 3,000 seats between the 2 cities every week.
QantasLink CEO John Gissing mentioned the new flights had been good news for local businesses in Newcastle and the Hunter region.
“We know Australians want to travel so we’ve been looking for opportunities to help new routes where there is demand and assist deliver a boost for local businesses,” mentioned Mr. Gissing.
“These new services will bring more Victorians to Newcastle as well as the Port Stephens region and the world-class Hunter Valley wineries.
“We expect this service will also be popular with our corporate travelers based in Newcastle. Flights are available at peak times in both directions and customers will enjoy the benefits of our premium service, including complimentary meals and drinks, baggage, and lounge entry before they fly out.”
The new route adds to Qantas’ flights between Newcastle and Brisbane, with services progressively increasing over the coming weeks to a total of 24 return flights per week by the end of March.
Qantas is offering unlimited flight changes by at least February 2022, for flights booked till at least the end of April 2021. The flight date could be modified to any available for sale on the time (up to 355 days in advance). Qantas will waive the change fee however a fare difference may apply.
Within the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Qantas has introduced a number of initiatives to improve safety and peace-of-mind when touring domestically by its Fly Well program, including masks on board, hand sanitizing stations, and enhanced aircraft cleaning.
