New QantasLink flights and an improved schedule set to make business e
Published on 21 September 2017
Rockhampton Regional Council today welcomed QantasLink’s announcement to offer a more business-friendly flight timetable for Rockhampton.
As of the end of next month, QantasLink passengers will have the opportunity for longer day trips to Cairns, Mackay and Townsville, through additional return services and retimed flights.
Mayor of Rockhampton Region Margaret Strelow said the increased flight options are a culmination of Council lobbying, customer requests and valued support from across the Qantas Group.
“There has been a demand to accommodate for extended business-friendly flights and we sincerely thank Qantas for hearing our requests and continuing to support the community and our local airport,” Mayor Strelow said.
“Our relationship with the Qantas Group is strong and we continue to work collaboratively in creating shared value for our community and our airline partners.”
General Manager of Regional Development and Aviation, Rockhampton Regional Council, Scott Waters said the announcement will be welcomed by local business travellers with open arms.
“Essentially, Queensland coastal services from Rockhampton through to Cairns via Mackay and Townsville have been operating in the middle of the day which proves difficult for local travellers needing to do business in these areas and wanting to return home on the same day,” Mr Waters said.
“From October 30, QantasLink will be rescheduling 14 current flights to more business-friendly hours in mornings and afternoons and adding six additional flights with an extra return service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
“This will now allow more flexibility for business travellers and heavily reduce the need to cut meetings short or have overnight stays.”
A Qantas spokesperson said the small adjustment to flight times will make a big difference for travellers.
“In response to feedback from our customers and the Rockhampton community, we’ve made some small adjustments to our flight times along Queensland’s coast to better accommodate business travellers wanting to return the same day.
“We look forward to seeing how these updated schedules perform as we’ll continue to review our services so we can best meet the needs of our customers.”
Fares on these flights are now on sale for travel from 30 October 2017 up to 31 March 2018.
New Flight Schedule
- Retimed flights on Monday-Friday will now depart Rockhampton at 7am, arriving in Mackay at 7.45am, Townsville at 9.00am and Cairns at 10.15am. Return travellers can now catch a flight back from Cairns at 3.35pm, Townsville at 4.55pm, and Mackay at 6.10pm, arriving in Rockhampton at 6.55pm.
- A new service on the route on Monday, Wednesday and Friday has been introduced, departing from Cairns at 6.30am, Townsville at 7.50am and Mackay at 9.05am arriving into Rockhampton at 9.50am. In the afternoon of these days, flights will depart Rockhampton at 4.10pm, arriving in Mackay at 4.55pm, Townsville at 6.10pm and Cairns at 7.25pm.