The introduction of a new air service in Broken Hill will help to bring tourists to town.
The Silver City is now a part of the Qantas’ domestic route network for the very first time.
Broken Hill City Council Mayor, Tom Kennedy, said it would help invigorate the town.
“The community with Qantas coming will send a message to the rest of Australia that Broken Hill is ready for business,” he said. “Hopefully, this is the first stage of increased service.”
QantasLink service is set to take off in early April, with direct flights to-and-from Sydney the initial connection.
The 50-seat Q300 aircraft will operate two weekly flights on Monday and Friday.
Mayor Kennedy said the inclusion of a new air service was vital to attract more visitors to the area.
“It’s not just significant; it’s the first step that was needed,” he said.
“Without that extra air service, a growing air service and reduction in prices, it’s going to be difficult to introduce any of the other plans I have for the city.”
The new flight option is expected to be a big hit among locals keen to resume travel plans.
QantasLink CEO, John Gissing, said Broken Hill was a major interest and believes it’s an exciting time for customers and the airline.
“We’ve been looking at Broken Hill for some time,” he said.
“This is a great place for people to come and visit. It should be on everybody’s bucket list.
“We are always looking at new great opportunities, and we’ve opened a lot of new routes throughout the (COVID-19) pandemic.”
Broken Hill joined QantasLink’s growing regional network, with the airline now operating flights to 57 regional and rural towns across Australia.
Qantas has ended Rex Airline’s longstanding dominance in town that spanned almost two decades.
The new service can also stimulate healthy competition to ensure fares remain affordable.
“Competition causes a better service all round,” Mayor Kennedy said.
“We as a Council are not going to walk away from Rex, but by the same token, we got to set competition.
“We hope to have the same sort of relationship with Qantas, and we’ve been given a commitment that we will have that relationship.”
Fares will start from $269 (one-way) but is currently on sale starting from $189, available until February 21 unless sold out.
“This is a premium product, very valuable, and we think it’s a great offer,” Mr Gissing said.
“We will be watching prices and be making changes as we need to.”
