 |
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."