Up, up & away

Limestone Coast travelers will be among those to benefit from more seats and improved reliability as Qantas this week upgraded all regional routes from Adelaide to the larger QantasLink Q400 turboprop aircraft.

The introduction of the larger Q400 aircraft into Port Lincoln, Whyalla, Mount Gambier and Kangaroo Island has been made possible by the airline’s significant investment in 14 additional Q400s for its regional fleet to better connect regional Australia. Once the transition is complete, Qantas will have three Q400s based in South Australia.

Civic leaders were on hand to welcome the first flight into Mount Gambier on February 17, welcoming the confidence they move shows in regional South Australia more broadly and this region most importantly.

Member for Barker Tony Pasin said QantasLink’s decision to fly the faster larger aircraft in and out of Mount Gambier was an expression of confidence the Limestone Coast that we should all celebrate.

“It’s also a testament to the airport itself – a credit to the District Council of Grant and to the $9.2 million upgrade, funded by Federal, State and Local Governments, completed in 2021 that has enabled the Q400 to land on the Mount Gambier airstrip,” Mr Pasin said.

Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell, who was one of the first passengers to take the inaugural Qantas Q400 flight from Mount Gambier to Adelaide on Monday.

“It was a great experience and any investment in new aircraft for regional areas is to be commended, and the Q400 certainly made for a more comfortable and quicker journey,” Mr Bell said.

“With seating capacity now increased to 78 passengers per flight, I look forward to seeing those seats filled and, hopefully, a reduction in fares over time.

“I want to acknowledge the work of Ian Fritsch and his team, who played a crucial role in shaping the long-term vision for Mount Gambier Airport many years ago. Their efforts ensured not only the terminal upgrade but, just as importantly, the extension of the runway and the strengthening of the apron.’

“While much attention is given to the terminal improvements, these behind-the-scenes infrastructure upgrades were essential. Without them, larger aircraft like the Q400 wouldn’t be able to service our region. It was great to see Ian at the airport on Monday for this milestone, an achievement that would not have been possible without his foresight.’

“I also want to congratulate the District Council of Grant for their ongoing efforts in securing funding to make these upgrades a reality.”

“Now, the focus must be on increasing passenger numbers, which will help drive better scheduling. Ideally, I’d like to see both airlines return to daily flights to Adelaide and Melbourne, ensuring more convenient travel options and competitive pricing for residents, businesspeople, and tourists visiting our region.’”

Mr Bell, in fact, tackled scheduling in a grievance speech on Tuesday afternoon. (See page 12 for full details)

Qantas operates more than 50 return flights per week between Adelaide and the regional cities, providing essential connections for residents and tourists as well as business and resource travel. These flights are currently operated by smaller Q300 aircraft which have 50 seats. These older aircraft are being gradually retired from Qantas’ fleet.

QantasLink CEO Rachel Yangoyan said today (Monday) marks a significant milestone for regional South Australia.

“These larger aircraft will bring more seats, a faster flight time and improved reliability for South Australia and reaffirms our commitment to the regions,” said Ms Yangoyan.

“This is the first time the 74-seat Q400 aircraft will be back to Adelaide in 10 years, and for the first time, to new destinations including Mount Gambier and Whyalla.

“Improving the overall travel experience is important but so is investing in the communities that we serve.”

District Council of Grant Mayor Kylie Boston was very pleased to welcome the first landing of the Q400 aircraft at the Mount Gambier Regional Airport and what the change could mean for her community.

“We are the proud and passionate owners and operators of the airport,” Mayor Boston said. “We have always strived to achieve the best standard of service and facilities we can. Over the years we have undertaken improvements that meet the demands and needs of a modern and well-functioning regional airport and a growing region.

“These include the significant new terminal building also incorporating an upgrade to lengthen the runway, building a heavy aircraft apron, upgrading the electrics, upgrades to the taxiways, and terminal aircraft parking apron to cater for theQ400.

“This investment by QantasLink into more reliable, modern, larger and faster aircraft is very welcome and shows confidence in the Mount Gambier Regional Airport, and having just arrived into our airport from the QantasLink Q400 I can say it is a very comfortable aircraft to fly in.”

City of Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin joined the4 chorus of leaders welcoming this investment from Qantas in regional air travel, particularly to Mount Gambier and the Limestone Coast region.

“The Q400 aircraft provides a more efficient service and an increase in passenger capacity,” Mayor Martin said. “The sustainability of regional airports and importance of accessible and affordable regional air travel for medical, education, freight, work and leisure travel is critical for the social and economic future of our regions.”

Adelaide Airport managing director Brenton Cox also celebrated the investment.

“Regional flights are the lifeblood of our country towns and cities.,” he said. “The introduction of newer and larger aircraft on these routes by QantasLink is a significant win for our regional customers who rely on these services for work, attending appointments and catching up with friends and relatives, as well as benefiting our tourism sector.”

And while the increased capacity is welcome news for regional customers, it is also great news for the economic future, including the tourism industry, of the region.

South Australian Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison said this was an exciting development for South Australia’s regional connectivity and tourism sector.

“The introduction of faster and larger aircraft on our regional routes will not only improve travel times but also increase capacity, making it easier for visitors to explore our beautiful regions,” Minister Bettison said. “We’re working closely with both airlines and Adelaide Airport to ensure South Australia remains at the forefront of aviation and tourism development. This aligns with our strategy to boost our visitor economy and showcase everything South Australia has to offer.”

Qantas’ operation in South Australia currently contributes to over 870 jobs and Qantas Freight moves around 10 million kgs of freight in and out of South Australia.