QantasLink will launch flights between Mildura and Sydney, and increase the number of services to Bendigo, helping boost tourism to regional Victoria.
From 29 March 2020, QantasLink will operate flights four days per week between Sydney and Mildura with its 74-seat Q400 turboprop aircraft, offering more than 30,000 seats each year.
The new service will be the only direct connection between Sydney and Mildura, saving travellers around two hours compared to flying via Melbourne.
The launch of the new route follows the success of QantasLink’s Bendigo to Sydney route which took off in April of this year. In response to high demand on the route, QantasLink is adding three new weekly return services from 30 March 2020, bringing the total number of return flights to 10 per week.
QantasLink CEO John Gissing said the national carrier was backing regional Victoria with a new route and additional services.
“These routes are estimated to inject more than $3 million into the local economies in Mildura and Bendigo which is great news for local businesses and residents,” Mr Gissing said.
“As Australia’s largest regional airline, we know the value of connecting country cities and we’re proud to be connecting the Sunraysia region to Sydney once again.
“Mildura has a rich history and is home to some of Australia’s finest produce and wineries and we know it will be a popular destination for holidaymakers as well.
“It’s the second new service we’ve launched to regional Victoria in the past 12 months and we’re confident it will be a success.
“Demand between Bendigo and Sydney has far exceeded our expectations, which is why we’re adding additional services for the second time since we launched the service.
“Together with the Mildura Rural City Council, we’re promoting the greater Mildura region to travellers across Australia and the world as a great destination to visit.”
Federal Member for Mallee Dr Anne Webster welcomes the return of the Mildura Sydney service by Qantas, acknowledging the return of this important link and its benefits to our communities.
“Today’s announcement is a great win for our region and something I had discussed with Qantas CEO Alan Joyce shortly after being elected,” Dr Webster said.
“The Mildura Airport handles over 253,000 passengers a year, and we know that many of them link up with flights to Sydney.
“By offering this direct flight, Qantas are supplying a service to many residents of Mallee who travel to Sydney for work and leisure.”
“The flight time of 1 hour and 50 minutes represents a reduction in current travel time between Mildura and Sydney via Melbourne, easing the burden on travellers and offering an improvement on the cost of flights.
“I want to thank Qantas for the commitment they are showing to our region.”
To celebrate the new route, QantasLink is offering special fares of $179 one-way between Mildura and Sydney, for select travel dates from 29 March 2020 to 25 October 2020. Fares available to book at qantas.com and through travel agents, and the sale ends on 18 December 2019.
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