Qantas has announced one more route to Queensland, to the world-famous Whitsundays with QantasLink launching direct flights from Brisbane to the Whitsunday Coast (Proserpine) for the first time in seven years.
Nonstop to Proserpine
As of 17th September 2021, QantasLink, a regional brand of Qantas, will start operating up to 7-weekly flights between Brisbane International Airport and Whitsunday Coast Airport (Proserpine) using its 74-seat Q400 turboprop aircraft, adding more than 1000 seats on the route each week. The schedule for the flights on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays is:
- Brisbane-Proserpine
- Departure time: 11:55
- Arrival time: 13:55
- Flight time: 2 hours
- Flight number: QF2526
- Proserpine-Brisbane
- Departure time: 14:20
- Arrival time: 16:15
- Flight time: 1 hour and 55 minutes
- Flight number: QF2527
The schedule for the flights on Tuesdays and Saturdays is:
- Brisbane-Proserpine
- Departure time: 10:00
- Arrival time: 12:00
- Flight time: 2 hours
- Flight number: QF2526
- Proserpine-Brisbane
- Departure time: 12:25
- Arrival time: 14:20
- Flight time: 1 hour and 55 minutes
- Flight number: QF2527
The schedule for the flights on Wednesdays is:
- Brisbane-Proserpine
- Departure time: 12:55
- Arrival time: 14:55
- Flight time: 2 hours
- Flight number: QF2526
- Proserpine-Brisbane
- Departure time: 15:20
- Arrival time: 17:15
- Flight time: 1 hour and 55 minutes
- Flight number: QF2526
John Gissing, CEO, QantasLink said the new route would create stronger connections to the popular tourism destination. He said:
With international borders still largely closed, we’re pleased to be making it easier for Australians to experience the world-famous beaches of the Whitsunday region and access the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. COVID has also meant we’ve seen demand for travel within the Sunshine State soar in the past year. Our flights from Brisbane to places such as Cairns and Townsville have been incredibly popular so we expect this new route to the Whitsunday Coast will appeal to the many Queenslanders looking to holiday in their own state. These new flights also open up the Whitsunday Coast to Qantas customers across the country who will be able to seamlessly connect through Brisbane from our extensive domestic network. More visitors will be great for the local economy with flow on benefits for local businesses in their recovery from the impact of COVID. We’ll be promoting these new flights and the Whitsundays to millions of our frequent flyers across the country, offering travellers complimentary food and drinks, baggage and lounge access for eligible passengers in Brisbane Airport.
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The announcement follows the new routes QantasLink commenced from Brisbane to Albury and Cooma earlier this week. Between Qantas, QantasLink and Jetstar, the Group has now launched more than 45 new routes since international borders closed, around half of which are into Queensland.
Not the first time
Qantas has extensive services throughout Queensland, but the airline has always had complicated relationship with Proserpine. The Australian flag carrier has previously operated flights into the airport but has preferred to step back and let Jetstar service the market in recent years.
In 2014, Qantas launched nonstop flights between Sydney and Proserpine after a ten year absence. However, the service was not a success, and flights were short-lived.
However, the airline is now giving Proserpine another shot. Operators of Proserpine Airport, Whitsunday Regional Council, are delighted to see Qantas back on their airport’s apron soon.
Mayor Andrew Willcox said:
A lot of networking and collaboration has gone on behind the scenes to seal this new deal, and our airport team continues to kick goals and build key industry relationships. The new deal puts us on target to smash the 500,000 annual passenger number record barrier.
Competition
QantasLink will not be the sole airline operating flights to Proserpine. Jetstar, which recently announced nonstop flights between Brisbane and Perth & in between Brisbane and Canberra, operates flights from Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane to Proserpine. Rival carrier Virgin Australia also operates flights from Brisbane to Proserpine, giving a direct competition to Qantas.
The airline is offering special fares on the new route starting from $109 AUD ($81) one-way at qantas.com or through Travel Agents, until 10th July 2021, unless sold out prior.
Meanwhile, Qantas recently announced a major domestic expansion, putting Embraer E190 and Boeing B787 Dreamliners on domestic routes. The airline has also announced the resumption of flights to Burnie in response to strong demand.
Featured image by AviationWA
What do you think of Qantas’ return to Proserpine with nonstop flights to Brisbane after a seven-year long gap? Let me know in the comments section below.
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