First Airbus A220 arrived for Qantas in December

The first QantasLink Airbus A220 aircraft landed in Sydney on 20th December marking the next phase in the Group’s fleet renewal programme.  The aircraft, which features a special indigenous livery, was ferried from Airbus’ facility in Mirabel, Canada, and touched down at midday after stops in Vancouver, Honolulu and Nadi (Fiji).

It is the first of 29 A220s that will be delivered to QantasLink as part of the Group’s domestic fleet renewal program. A further 36 widebody aircraft are also on order.

The A220s have double the range of the Boeing 717s they replace, giving them the ability to fly non-stop between any two points in Australia. As the first aircraft of their type in Australia, the 137-seat aircraft are expected to open up new (direct) domestic and short-haul international routes as more enter the fleet.

Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson said the A220 would unlock improvements ranging from lower emissions to less noise and better passenger comfort.  “We couldn’t be more excited to welcome this new A220 aircraft, along with the benefits it will bring to our customers and career opportunities for our people.  The size and range of the A220 means we can add new direct routes to our network that may not have been commercially viable before.

More fuel efficient aircraft is one way we’re working towards net zero and the A220 generates around 25 per cent fewer carbon emissions than the previous generation as well as being much quieter.  This arrival marks the start of the biggest domestic fleet renewal program in Qantas’ history as the Group takes delivery of one new aircraft every three weeks on average over the next few years.

On the back of this fleet investment we’re recruiting more pilots, cabin crew and engineers and expect to create around 8500 local jobs over the next decade,” 

As the first A220 to be operated in Australia, the aircraft, registered as VH-X4A, will undergo regulatory approvals, airport readiness and crew familiarisation and training activities before it commences flying on the Melbourne-Canberra route in the first quarter of 2024. A dedicated A220 flight simulator for pilot training is based in Melbourne.

Qantas takes delivery of its first A220 to replace Boeing 717 jets

Australia’s national carrier has taken delivery of its first new generation A220, becoming the 20th operator of the type. The aircraft is the first of 29 A220s ordered by the Qantas Group for operation by QantasLink, their regional airline that services metropolitan and regional destinations across Australia.

Featuring a unique livery based on an Aboriginal artwork, the aircraft will depart the Airbus final assembly line in Mirabel in the coming days for a delivery flight to Sydney, with stops in Vancouver, Honolulu and Nadi.

The A220 will gradually replace the existing 717 fleet at QantasLink. Flying twice as far, the A220 can connect any two points across Australia non-stop, while also bringing a significant 25% reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions compared to previous-generation aircraft.

The A220 also has the largest cabin, seats and windows in its class, offering passengers superior comfort. With a total of 137 seats, Qantas’ A220s will be configured in a two class layout seating 10 passengers in business and 127 in economy.

Specifically designed for the 100-150 seat segment, the A220 is the most modern airliner in its size category. Powered by the latest generation Pratt & Whitney GTF™ engines, it can fly up to 3,450 nautical miles or 6,390 kilometres non-stop. 

As with all Airbus aircraft, the A220 is already able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus aims for all its aircraft to be capable of operating with 100% SAF by 2030. 

Airbus has received close to 850 orders from 30 customers for the A220, of which over 300 have been delivered worldwide.

Pilots from Qantas subsidiary Network Aviation to strike next week.

The Australian Federation of Pilots (AFAP) has advised Qantas subsidiary Network Aviation of a two-day work stoppage on Wednesday and Thursday next week.

AFAP members – who make up over 90 per cent of the pilot group employed by Network Aviation – will stop work from 0001 Wednesday 1 November to 23:59 Thursday 2 November.

“It is disappointing that there has not been any indication in the last four weeks that Qantas management might shift its position to bring its WA-based pilots’ wages and conditions into line with those of other Qantas Group pilots,” according to Senior Industrial Officer Chris Aikens.

“Unfortunately, our members at Network Aviation now have no other option but to give notice for lawful protected industrial action.”

After the first 24-hour work stoppage on 4 October, the company put forward another sub-standard offer – without seeking the endorsement of the AFAP which represents the vast majority of the pilot group in the bargaining negotiations – for the entire pilot group to vote on.

After an emphatic rejection of this offer – with 90% of the entire pilot group employed by Network Aviation voting ‘no’ – the next step appears to be a meeting mediated by the Fair Work Commission.

“Qantas management appears unwilling to take control themselves so have shifted the responsibility to the Fair Work Commission,” said Mr Aikens.  “We look forward to what new and revised offering the company proposes to take to the mediation on Monday,” he said.  “We are hoping for the best but planning for the worst.”

A Qantas spokesperson attacked the pilots and union accusing them of acting in bad-faith bargaining and called the action unreasonable.  "This latest strike action from the pilots' union is an unreasonable escalation of the dispute and comes just days after they increased their demands even further. - After originally asking for 50 per cent pay increases, the union is now demanding even more benefits."

Qantas has announced it will increase flight frequency on the Sydney - Broken Hill route

Qantas has announced it will increase flight frequency on the Broken Hill – Sydney route following strong support from locals and visitors.

QantasLink initially launched in April with two services a week on a Monday and Friday but from 21 June, will operate a third-weekly service on Tuesdays with its 50 seat Q300 aircraft.  The airline has also announced it will ramp up to five weekly return services from 1 November.

Qantas will also add flights around key tourism events in the region, like the Mundi Mundi Bash, Broken Heel Festival and September school holidays.

QantasLink CEO John Gissing said the Broken Hill flights, launched on 8 April had been well-received by the local community, with strong demand in both directions.

“Since we started operating to Broken Hill, we’ve sold out several flights and our bookings looking ahead are great which gives us the confidence to add in another service to offer more convenience for both locals and visitors.” Mr Gissing said.

“When we launched, we indicated that we were in it for the long haul, and we are really happy with the response.”

“We are proud to serve Broken Hill and as a regional airline born in the outback, we understand the importance of connecting remote communities with major centres. We’d like to thank our customers in Broken Hill for giving us a go.”

Travellers will continue to enjoy the benefits of Qantas’ premium service, including complimentary food and drinks, baggage and lounge access in Sydney before they fly to Broken Hill. Customers can also connect via Sydney through Qantas’ extensive domestic and international network.

Since the start of the pandemic, the Qantas Group has commenced over 50 new domestic routes including to many regional destinations.

Search for flights and hotels to Broken Hill......

Broken Hill....... the ultimate outback oasis

There is nowhere else quite like Broken Hill, which has all the quirky culture and unique charm of an outback town with a camp claim to fame.

Broken Hill has a rich history as a mining town but it goes way beyond that and is perhaps these days better known for its arts scene with bush artists and artisans gravitating to the city for its stark landscapes and colours. There is a thriving arts community here with galleries galore - in fact, there are more galleries than there are pubs and I bet you didn't expect that!  

Broken Hill’s diverse landscape, the deep red soil, and the sparkling clear blue skies create beauty that is enchanting and captivating. You might have a feeling of Deja Vu in Broken Hill, but it isn't because you've secretly been there before,  but you've probably seen it before on the screen - home to the post-apocalyptic Mad Max or the over-the-top yet somehow magical Palace Hotel where you can follow in the footsteps of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert - yes even stay in the same suite that the characters did! 

There is a good retail hub in Broken Hill,  so you'll find plenty of interesting things to buy as well as some sights to see. Walk down Argent Street and it is almost like you've gone back in time, from classic architecture to some new and trendy coffee shops and eating places.

No visit to Broken Hill would be complete without a tour of the Line of Load and the Miners memorial – a clear reminder of the difficult and somewhat dangerous working conditions those hardy souls had to endure. 

Destination Broken Hill & The Outback

The Palace Hotel Broken Hill

Some of the best hotels in Broken Hill      

Broken Hill Outback Resort 

Set in Broken Hill, 15 km from Sulphide Street Railway & Historical Museum, Broken Hill Outback Resort offers accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking and a bar.

Royal Exchange Hotel 4.5 stars

The Royal Exchange Hotel is centrally located in Broken Hill, close to the border with South Australia. Featuring Art Deco design, it offers air-conditioned rooms with TV and internet connection.

Comfort Inn Crystal Broken Hill 3 stars

The Comfort Inn Crystal is centrally located in Broken Hill, an isolated mining city in the far west of outback New South Wales

ibis Styles Broken Hill 4 stars 

Located in the heart of Broken Hill, ibis Styles Broken Hill offers 4-star. The hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, guest laundry facilities, a bar and a restaurant.

Hilltop Motel 3.5 stars

 Broken Hill

Located in the heart of Broken Hill, Hilltop Motel features a solar-heated outdoor pool, a restaurant and outdoor BBQ facilities. Betina’s Restaurant serves a tasty steak and seafood menu.

Desert Sand Motor Inn 3.5 stars

 Broken Hill

Located next door to a complex with a bar and bistro and only 5 minutes walk from Broken Hill town centre, Desert Sand Motor Inn offers an outdoor pool, barbecue facilities and off-street parking.

Red Earth Motel 4 stars

 Broken Hill

Red Earth Motel features a seasonal outdoor pool, barbecue facilities and free on-site parking.

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Qantas starts up more domestic routes.

Qantas launched four new routes across its domestic network yesterday, boosting connectivity between regional centres and capital cities.

The new routes – Adelaide-Newcastle, Brisbane-Wagga Wagga, Darwin-Townsville and Darwin-Cairns – provide direct connections and reduce travel time for customers. The national carrier is also the only airline to offer direct flights on two of the routes, between Adelaide and Newcastle and Brisbane and Wagga Wagga.

The routes follow new Qantas flights between Sydney and Uluru (Ayers Rock Airport) taking off on Sunday.

QantasLink CEO John Gissing said the new services were among 52 new routes the national carrier has added to its domestic network since the beginning of the pandemic as Australians looked for local travel opportunities.

“Qantas has a tremendous history of connecting people and economies across Australia. What we’ve seen over the past two years, is that what started as a way of meeting pent-up demand for Aussies to travel where they could, is being sustained as visitors discover new destinations and as business links flourish,” Mr Gissing said.

“Not only have we seen a huge surge in demand for domestic tourism, but we have a seen a real shift towards investment in our regional communities as economic and industrial hubs.”

Three weekly return flights will operate on Darwin-Townsville, Brisbane-Wagga and Adelaide-Newcastle with four weekly return flights on Darwin-Cairns, together adding more than 2,300 seats into Qantas’s domestic network each week.

Qantas has also recommenced flights between Sydney and Toowoomba with an improved business-friendly schedule offering double daily weekday flights and daily weekend flights.

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QantasLink starts flights to Wagga Wagga from Brisbane

Australian travellers will have direct flights between Wagga Wagga and Brisbane early next year when QantasLink starts operating direct flights. 

The national carrier will operate three weekly return services with its 74 seat, Q400 turboprop aircraft from 28 March 2022, saving at least 90 minutes on current flying times via Sydney.

It will be the first regular passenger service to connect Wagga Wagga to Brisbane in almost four years and will give Riverina residents more one-stop connections to destinations across the airline’s expansive Queensland network.

QantasLink CEO John Gissing said the new route would open up more options for Wagga Wagga residents and Queenslanders looking to book their next holiday as interstate travel picks up early next year.

“As Australia’s largest regional airline, we know we have an important role to play keeping regions connected and driving tourism,” Mr Gissing said.

“This service will make it easier for Queenslanders to catch up with family and friends and explore the beautiful Riverina region.

“It will also give Wagga residents easy access to some of Queensland’s amazing holiday destinations.”

Flying with QantasLink is about to get a whole lot more entertaining......

Flying with the Australian regional and local carrier QantasLink is about to get a whole lot more entertaining.  The airline's jet aircraft are all set to get a bit of an entertaining upgrade from the end of this month. 

For the first time passengers travelling on more than 50 Boeing 717, Fokker 100, Airbus A320 and service partner Alliance Airline’s Embraer E190 aircraft will soon be able to stream more than 2,500 hours of premiere movies including Cruella and Black Widow, binge-worthy TV series such as Billions and Mare of Easttown and audiobooks via the Qantas Entertainment app to their own personal device.

QantasLink passengers will also have access to even more content through the carrier's streaming partner Stan, including exclusive TV shows and Stan Original films. Plus it is all quite simple to do,  as the app can be downloaded for free from the Apple Store and Google Play prior to departure. Additionally, inflight entertainment can be accessed via a browser for anyone who does not have the app loaded on their device.

Qantas Group Chief Customer Officer Stephanie Tully said when the rollout was complete, inflight entertainment would be available on up to 180 Qantas and QantasLink aircraft.  "Customers tell us they value being able to take time for themselves inflight to catch up on their favourite TV shows or watch movies they didn’t get to see at the cinema."

This massive investment by Qantas will mean more of the group's customers will have access to inflight entertainment, particularly when travelling to smaller regional centres and state capitals.

Tully continued "In a normal year, our customers watch more than 20 million hours of movies and TV shows while flying with us, so we know our streaming service is incredibly popular, especially on longer domestic routes.  In addition to inflight entertainment, Qantas customers and Frequent Flyers enjoy our premium service when they travel with us, whether it’s complimentary food and drinks, baggage, fast and free Wi-Fi or access to a network of 35 lounges around Australia.

With Australia’s vaccination rollout gaining momentum we expect the demand for travel will quickly return as restrictions ease. Improvements like this will make it even better when it does." 

The entertainment upgrade has already started, one of QantasLink’s A320 aircraft was fitted out last week and the streaming technology will be progressively installed right across all QantasLink jet aircraft, with the entire fleet covered by the second half of 2022.

Inflight entertainment via the Qantas Entertainment App is currently offered on QantasLink’s dual-cabin 717 aircraft and the Qantas 737 and A330 fleets that fly domestically. The 737s and domestic A330s also feature free, high-speed WiFi.

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QantasLink has announced it will soon start flights between Brisbane and the Proserpine - Whitsunday Coast

Australian regional airline QantasLink has announced it will soon start flights between Brisbane and the Proserpine - Whitsunday Coast for the first time in seven years.

From 17 September 2021, QantasLink will operate up to seven weekly return flights between Proserpine and Brisbane with its 74-seat Q400 turboprop aircraft, adding more than 1000 seats on the route each week.

It 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.

QantasLink CEO John Gissing said the new route would create stronger connections to the popular tourism destination.  “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.

QantasLink starts Darwin-Canberra flights on Embraer E190 regional jets

Travellers in the Northern Territory can now take advantage of a direct connection to the Australian Capital Territory with QantasLink’s new Darwin-Canberra flights which started on Monday.

The first flight connecting the two cities in nine years took off from Darwin on Monday and was sent on its way with celebrations for customers at the departure gate.

QantasLink will offer up to five weekly return flights operated by the Embraer E190 regional jet aircraft, delivering almost 1,000 seats on the route each week.

The E190 aircraft type made its debut on the QantasLink network last month as part of the airline’s deal with Alliance Airlines. With its size, range and economics, the 94-seat jet has opened up a number of new routes that wouldn’t have been viable with Qantas’ existing fleet.

QantasLink CEO John Gissing said the response from customers had already exceeded expectations.

“We’ve seen strong demand from travellers in both Darwin and Canberra since the route first went on sale last month,” said Mr Gissing.

“With no other airline currently operating on the route, the direct flights will save business and leisure travellers more than two hours travel time on a round trip instead of flying via other capital cities.

Qantas new route between Coffs Harbour and Brisbane

The Australian airline Qantas has launched a new route between Coffs Harbour and Brisbane which will operate four times a week with its turboprop Q400 aircraft.  

The new route was delayed a month due to the Brisbane lockdown and associated travel restrictions and follows the launch of flights from Melbourne to Coffs Harbour in April.

QantasLink CEO John Gissing said the new route would make the north coast of New South Wales more accessible to travellers from Queensland and reinforced the airline’s commitment to tourism.  “These direct flights to Coffs Harbour will help support the growing demand for domestic travel and have flow on benefits for local businesses looking to recover from the impact of COVID-19,” said Mr Gissing. We want to encourage travellers to holiday around Australia and with these new flights, we’re now offering more seats into Coffs Harbour than before COVID-19.

The new route to Brisbane means we now offer direct flights from Coffs Harbour to three east coast capital cities, making it easier for residents to travel for business and visit family and friends.  We’re promoting these new flights to millions of our frequent flyers across the country and think they’ll enjoy the benefits of our premium service, including complimentary food and drinks, baggage and lounge access before they fly out.”

Since the route was announced in February, Qantas has offered multiple sales with fares as low as $119 one-way.

Qantas currently operates 28 weekly return flights between Sydney and Coffs Harbour and daily flights between Melbourne and Coffs Harbour.

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QantasLink has added Mount Gambier to its network with direct flights from Adelaide and Melbourne

QantasLink has added Mount Gambier to its map with direct flights from Adelaide and Melbourne, marking the first time the national carrier has flown to the South Australian city.

The inaugural flights was welcomed with water canon salutes at Mount Gambier Regional Airport and Adelaide Airport along with celebrations with customers and community leaders.

QantasLink will operate five weekly return flights on both routes with its 50-seat Q300 turboprop aircraft, with upgraded cabin interiors, offering 500 seats on the routes each week.

The new flights coincide with the launch of two other new QantasLink routes today, Melbourne to Albury and Wagga Wagga, providing more options for travellers in the regions.

Newcastle to Melbourne route started by Qantas

The Hunter region will benefit from more direct flights to Melbourne with Qantas has launched a new route from Newcastle to the Victorian capital.

The first Qantas flight connecting the two cities in more than ten years departed Newcastle for Melbourne this morning, marked by celebrations for customers at the gate.

The national carrier will operate 12 weekly return flights with its 125-seat Boeing 717 aircraft, adding more than 3,000 seats between the two cities each week.

QantasLink CEO John Gissing said the new flights were good news for local businesses in Newcastle and the Hunter region.

“We know Australians want to travel so we’ve been looking for opportunities to support new routes where there is demand and help deliver a boost for local businesses,” said Mr Gissing.

“These new services will bring more Victorians to Newcastle as well as the Port Stephens region and the world class Hunter Valley wineries.

QantasLink adds Griffith to its route network

QantasLink, the regional air carrier from the Qantas Group has added Griffith to its route network today with a service from Sydney for the first time to meet increased passenger demand.

The inaugural flight QF2121 arrived in Griffith from Sydney at midday with local business and community leaders at the Airport to welcome the aircraft’s arrival.  This new daily service will be operated turboprop 50-seat Q300 aircraft, offering up to 700 seats each week.

Speaking from Griffith to mark the inaugural flight, QantasLink CEO John Gissing said the new route reinforced the national carrier’s commitment to supporting regional Australia.  "As the national carrier, we have an important role to play in driving tourism and supporting the industry in its recovery from COVID-19,” said Mr Gissing.  We know Australians want to travel so we’ve been looking for opportunities to support new routes where there is demand and help deliver a boost for local businesses.  We’re working with tourism partners to promote the world-class wineries and fresh produce of the beautiful Riverina region to millions of our frequent flyers around the country. This is the first time that the flying kangaroo has flown to Griffith. This service will offer locals more choice and competitive fares on what was previously a monopoly route. We think our customers will enjoy the benefits of our premium service, including complimentary food and drinks, baggage and lounge access before they fly out.”

Qantas boost travel to Tasmania

Qantas began flying three new routes between Tasmania and the mainland to meet strong demand for domestic travel towards the end of last week.  

Flights from Hobart to Brisbane will operate up to five days per week. QF1576 to Brisbane will depart at 2.30pm 

Flights from Hobart to Canberra will operate three days per week. QF1534 to Canberra will depart at 1245pm

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.

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.

Jetstar and Qantas reduce flights to Asia because of Coronavirus

The leading antipodean airline group, Qantas has just announced temporary reductions to flights across Asia in response to a drop in demand due to Coronavirus.

The actions were announced as part of the Group’s Half Year Financial Results, where the net profit impact of Coronavirus was estimated at between $100 million to $150 million for FY20 – a figure softened by lower fuel prices.

Reductions of around 5 per cent will be made to Qantas and Jetstar’s flying between Australia and New Zealand.

There is no change to other key parts of the Qantas International network, such as the US and UK, which remain unaffected.

Reductions of around 2 per cent of total Group domestic Australian flying in the second half are being made to reflect the market demand.

More Qantas Links flights.......

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.

Qantas gives a boost to Geraldton.

Qantas will launch four additional weekly return flights between Geraldton and Perth following Virgin Australia’s decision to exit the route.

The services, to be operated by QantasLink’s Fokker 100 aircraft, will begin in mid-August 2019, offering 800 seats on the route each week and are in addition to QantasLink’s existing twelve return weekly services.

Seats for these flights will go on sale today with lead-in fares available from $180 one-way.

QantasLink CEO John Gissing said the additional flights would maintain travel options for the Geraldton community.  “As the national carrier, and the country’s largest regional airline, we know how important reliable air travel is for regional communities like Geraldton,” said Mr Gissing.

Flying tourism boost for the territory

Qantas and Tourism NT have announced a new three-year marketing agreement aimed at attracting more tourists to the Northern Territory.

The joint agreement, worth up to $4.5 million, will focus on promoting the Territory across Australia and key international markets like the United States.

The new agreement is an almost 20 per cent increase on the previous agreement signed in 2016 and the Northern Territory is the first state or territory that Qantas has re-signed.

The partnership will include advertising in key markets, collaboration on media and industry initiatives and promotion of special fares and major events including Parrtjima, the Darwin Festival, Bruce Monroe: Tropical Light and the Field of Light exhibition.

Port Moresby back on the map for QantasLink

Port Moresby Airport                                                                      Photo Port Moresby Airport

QantasLink is again making it easier for customers to travel between Cairns and Port Moresby with the return of daily flights between the two cities yesterday.

QantasLink has resumed the service after a resurgence in customer demand, offering around 1,000 seats per week on its 74-seat Q400 aircraft. The service, which QantasLink had operated until 2016, complements Qantas’ existing daily services between Brisbane and Port Moresby.

QantasLink CEO John Gissing said the flights were designed to create more travel options for the growing number of customers travelling between Queensland and Papua New Guinea.

Qantas links Adelaide and Darwin with Uluru with new flights`

The leading Australian airline Qantas confirmed it would be launching the first direct commercial flights to Uluru from both Adelaide and Darwin to meet growing demand from travellers to the Red Centre.

The direct flights to Ayers Rock Airport will operate twice per week from both cities (on Wednesdays and Saturdays) with the airline’s Boeing 737 aircraft, offering almost 700 seats to the destination each week.

The routes add to Qantas’ daily flights from Alice Springs and Cairns to Uluru, and Jetstar’s up to 17 direct weekly services to the destination from Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.

Qantas Domestic CEO Andrew David said the new flights reinforced the airline’s commitment to supporting tourism growth in the Territory.