Qantas will today begin flying three new routes between Tasmania and the mainland to meet strong demand for domestic travel.
Flights from Hobart to Brisbane will operate up to five days per week. QF1576 to Brisbane will depart at 2.30pm this afternoon.
Flights from Hobart to Canberra will operate three days per week. QF1534 to Canberra will depart at 1245pm today.
For the first time in sixteen years, Qantas will operate direct from Launceston to Sydney up to four days per week. QF1540 will depart Launceston at 1.50pm today, marked by a water canon salute for the aircraft on the tarmac.
All flights will be operated by QantasLink’s dual class Boeing 717s featuring 12 seats in Business and 98 seats in Economy, offering around 2,500 seats per week across the three routes.
In response to a strong response since the Launceston-Sydney route went on sale, Qantas has today announced it will extend the service beyond the initial eight-week period with flights now due to operate at least until the end of October 2021.
Today’s inaugural flights follow the launch of three other new Qantas Group routes from Hobart in recent weeks, to Perth with Qantas and to Gold Coast with Jetstar – bringing the number of new routes for Tasmania to five.
Speaking from Launceston to mark the inaugural flights, Qantas Executive Manager, Sales and Distribution, Igor Kwiatkowski said the new flights reinforced the airline’s commitment to Tasmanian tourism.
“As the national carrier, we have an important role to play in helping the industry recover from COVID-19,” said Mr Kwiatkowski.
“Ongoing international border closures mean Australians are more inspired than ever to explore their own backyard. We want to help kickstart that boom and will be working with our tourism partners to promote the best of Tasmania’s unspoilt landscape, fine foods and fresh produce to travellers around Australia.
“These new flights also provide business travellers with more premium travel options, with a checked baggage allowance, inflight entertainment and food and drinks all included, as well as the option to fly or upgrade to Business.
“We know there’s a huge pent up demand for travel. We’ve seen a strong response from travellers since these routes went on sale and have extended the new Launceston service to operate beyond the initial eight-week period.
“These flights will see more families and friends reconnect, deliver a boost for local businesses and help get more of our people flying again.”
Qantas has launched a “See More Australia” sale, inviting travellers to explore the best of their own backyard in 2021 and supporting the tourism industry’s recovery from COVID-19. Fares are on sale until 7 December 2020 unless sold out prior, for travel between February to June 2021:
Brisbane-Hobart from $189 one-way
Canberra-Hobart from $229 one-way
Sydney-Launceston from $139 one-way
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Qantas has introduced a number of initiatives to encourage customers to book with greater flexibility, as well as to improve safety and peace-of-mind when travelling domestically through its Fly Well program.
Qantas’ longstanding partner, Mona, one of Tasmania’s premier tourist attractions is due to re-open its doors to visitors and locals on Boxing Day.
