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| Photo QantasLink |
Everyone is beaming in Bendigo this week as QantasLink, the regional operation of national carrier Qantas, confirmed it was to launch direct flights between Bendigo and Sydney, saving hours of travel time for both business and leisure travellers.
The new flights will be the first-ever regular passenger services between the two cities and the first commercial services from Bendigo in more than 30 years.
QantasLink will operate flights six days per week, from March 31st, using 50-seat Q300 turboprop aircraft, with flights increasing to a daily service over the peak summer season. In total Qantas will be offering more than 30,000 seats on the route each year, much to the delight of both business and leisure passengers.
To mark the announcement, QantasLink flew one of its Q300 turboprop aircraft to Bendigo for a ceremony with the local community on Monday, December 10th. QantasLink CEO John Gissing said the new Bendigo flights reinforced the national carrier’s commitment to supporting regional Victoria. “As Australia’s largest regional airline, we know we have an important role to play in connecting communities and making air travel more accessible,” said Mr Gissing. "No airline has ever offered regular passenger flights between Bendigo and Sydney– so these flights are a win for both travellers and tourism."
“We’re responding to demand from local businesses and industry leaders by adding Bendigo to our network. Direct flights will offer a more convenient way to do business in Sydney, saving travellers around four hours driving time on a round trip instead of flying via Melbourne. We appreciate the support of the Victorian Government, Visit Victoria and City of Greater Bendigo Council in helping make these new services possible, including upgrades to the airport. We look forward to working together to promote destination Bendigo to travellers from across Australia and around the world, driving the tourism and economic growth which is so vital to the region.” Gissing stated.
Treasurer Tim Pallas said: “This is a landmark opportunity for Bendigo that will create local jobs, boost tourism and create enormous opportunities for local businesses. The new service will attract nearly 15,000 visitors to Bendigo each year – and that’s great news for local cafes, motels, restaurants and the Bendigo economy.”
City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Margaret O’Rourke said: “The City is delighted to partner with Qantas. Access to regular flights to and from Bendigo presents a great opportunity to further grow our tourism brand, better connect our businesses to domestic and international clients and colleagues, and provide residents with more options when it comes to leisure travel.”
To celebrate the new destination, QantasLink is offering special fares of $129 one-way between Bendigo and Sydney, for travel from 31 March to 26 October 2019. Fares available to book at qantas.com and through travel agents, and the sale ends 17 December 2018.
The launch of the services follow runway upgrades completed at Bendigo Airport last year.
Bendigo is the 57th destination on the QantasLink network and the Qantas Group’s fourth destination in Victoria after Melbourne, Mildura and Avalon. 
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