Qantas / QantasLink launches multiple new Tasmanian flights

[nutwood]

QFlink used to fly SYD-LST pre Jetstar with 717s. Used it frequently as a kid!

This is great for Tassie and locks in more well heeled tourists.

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That's interesting. I was talking to Qantas (in orange coats!) staff on Sunday, whilst waiting to fly LST-SYD. They were talking about 717's into LST. Apparently they won't take Dash 8's beyond MEL. Not sure why but I'm wondering if it's a reserve range issue? Anyone know the answer?
I'll be pleased if they can re-establish a route from LST to ADL. Currently I have to drive to Hobart to get a direct flight. That's not too bad but coming back, it lands at 7 pm. I could do without the night drives up the Midland Highway. The upgrades have gone mad with reflectors and it's not an enjoyable trip!

 

[jakeseven7]

That's interesting. I was talking to Qantas (in orange coats!) staff on Sunday, whilst waiting to fly LST-SYD. They were talking about 717's into LST. Apparently they won't take Dash 8's beyond MEL. Not sure why but I'm wondering if it's a reserve range issue? Anyone know the answer?
I'll be pleased if they can re-establish a route from LST to ADL. Currently I have to drive to Hobart to get a direct flight. That's not too bad but coming back, it lands at 7 pm. I could do without the night drives up the Midland Highway. The upgrades have gone mad with reflectors and it's not an enjoyable trip!

I don't know the answer to your question re a Q400 on LST-SYD, but another rumour flying around - from our QF contact who has just been un-stood down and working again (?!) is that they are considering reintroducing jet services on MEL-LST when the TAS/VIC border opens from Dec 1 - and certainly around Xmas...

Given the intricate mesh of the very close TAS/VIC relationship they are clearly expecting a huge amount of people flying into Tassie from the north....

They used to surge LST with 717 services over the summer period, but the Q400's did the heavy lifting, 4-6 flights a day. Will be interesting to see what they do.

 

[jakeseven7]

Qantas has today announced it will launch a new route between Sydney and Launceston for the summer holidays following the easing of border restrictions between New South Wales and Tasmania.

The airline will look to add more flights beyond eight week period if there is demand. This is the first time the flying kangaroo has flown Launceston-Sydney since 2004.

With borders opening up, Qantas will also restart flights between Hobart to Sydney, with 11 return services per week from 6 November 2020.

This announcement follows two other new routes the Qantas Group has launched to Tasmania in response to demand – Brisbane-Hobart with Qantas and Gold Coast-Hobart with Jetstar.

To celebrate the new route, Qantas is offering special fares starting from $149 one-way, available for sale until Friday 30 October, unless sold out prior.

Qantas Domestic and International CEO Andrew David said “As the national carrier, we’re delighted to add direct flights between Launceston and Sydney for the first time in 16 years.

“We know there is huge pent-up demand for domestic travel with Australians looking for new destinations to explore.

“We’ll keep a close eye on demand and if it proves successful we will look to extend the service.

“We’re delighted to be reconnecting Australia and these flights will help more of our people get back to work.”

Qantas to Launch Flights to Launceston

Qantas has today announced it will launch a new route between Sydney and Launceston for the summer holidays following the...

www.rustourismnews.com

 

[mrs.dr.ron]

I wish Qantas would fly Brisbane - Launceston !! instead of Jet*

 

[jakeseven7]

I wish Qantas would fly Brisbane - Launceston !! instead of Jet*

Me too!

With surplus planes around and AJ’s comments at the AGM to try and get as many planes back in the air as possible, maybe it’s not so silly to have a summer seasonal schedule of LST to BNE a few times a week and let Jetstar have the Gold Coast....

I suspect the QF LST-SYD will be well supported. VA2 service to Tassie is flakey and not everyone wants to fly Jetstar...

 

[jakeseven7]

For those interested, the new LST-SYD flight is two class with J on offer!

That marks the first return of J class to LST for.... almost two decades?

The sale fares are pretty incredible too, $149....

 

[Rangalad]

I don't know the answer to your question re a Q400 on LST-SYD, but another rumour flying around - from our QF contact who has just been un-stood down and working again (?!) is that they are considering reintroducing jet services on MEL-LST when the TAS/VIC border opens from Dec 1 - and certainly around Xmas...

Given the intricate mesh of the very close TAS/VIC relationship they are clearly expecting a huge amount of people flying into Tassie from the north....

They used to surge LST with 717 services over the summer period, but the Q400's did the heavy lifting, 4-6 flights a day. Will be interesting to see what they do.

“Stood up” is the term being used on our legal documents.

 

[mrmerc500]

Great news in the West yesterday, the Border re-opening with all states except NSW & Vic, great to have a link with the the familiar resource sector of Queensland so we’ll certainly see FIFO workers back on the agenda.

QF has also announced on an ex VA route, PER - HBA running 4 times weekly.

 

[jakeseven7]

My family in Perth are THRILLED, they are going to use the new HBA service to get out of prison (WA) and visit family in Tassie quickly before the doors slam shut again!

Glad they are ramping up quickly!

 

[jakeseven7]

So Qantas also launced another new Tasmanian route: Hobart - Canberra!

I saw another poster mention it but hadn't seen it from QF yet.

So HBA now has SYD, CBR, PER, MEL, BNE on QF/QFLink
LST gets MEL, SYD on QFLink
DPO remains just MEL

Qantas Domestic network changes

Qantas Domestic network changes

www.qantas.com

 

[DC3]

I wish Qantas would fly Brisbane - Launceston !! instead of Jet*

By “popular demand”. “You asked for it, and we obliged”. That sort of thing perhaps.

 

[mrs.dr.ron]

By “popular demand”. “You asked for it, and we obliged”. That sort of thing perhaps.

No ! it hasn't happened !!!

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

They give with one hand, and take away with the other.
Service desks being removed from airports and lounges... that is.
Take away the ancillary, and have more resources in the money making parts.

 

[jakeseven7]

They give with one hand, and take away with the other.
Service desks being removed from airports and lounges... that is.
Take away the ancillary, and have more resources in the money making parts.

Well a lot of this heavy lifting (new routes) is being done by the QF 717 fleet which they moved across from WA due to the lack of business over there for this very purpose of launching smaller thinner routes over east when restrictions lifted. So taketh away from WA and give to the East

 

[jakeseven7]

With the Tas border opening to VIC on Nov 27, QF have quickly reacted and increased all of their VIC/Tassie flights as well now.

Interestingly, Bain/VA2 just said they will be only flying MEL - LST only 4 times a week through to mid December and then will re-evaulate.... That is a MASSIVE cut in their Tassie flying.

In comparison QF has tentatively loaded about 16 flights a week in as a start (pre-covid flew about 30) and said they will increase as required. Jetstar has loaded in about 35 flights a week.

We know TAS was very unprofitable for VA1 and this was always going to be a tough route for Bain/VA2 to decide what to do, especially flying big 737's v QFLink.