Griffith City Council has welcomed today's Qantas announcement to begin flights to Griffith as a major boost for the region's economy.
Flights will commence on 1 February 2021 with a daily return service, offering 700 seats on the route each week. The flights will be operated by the airline's 50-seat Q300 turboprop aircraft, with upgraded cabin interiors.
Qantas is offering special fares for Sydney-Griffith flights?from $125 one-way, available for sale at qantas.com or through Travel Agents, until 20 December 2020, unless sold out prior.???
Griffith Mayor, Councillor John Dal Broi said, "Griffith City Council is thrilled to welcome Qantas to Griffith. Connectivity to Sydney is critical to our economy and lifestyle and Council is pleased residents and businesses will now have additional flight scheduling options. The decision by Qantas to introduce a Griffith-Sydney service is recognition of Griffith as a growing regional city."
This new route is part of a major expansion of the airline's regional network announced today, with seven new routes across NSW, South Australia, and Victoria. The announcement means Qantas will be flying to five more destinations across Australia than it was pre-COVID (up from 57 to 62).
Qantas has already introduced a number of initiatives to encourage customers to book with greater flexibility, as well as to improve safety and peace-of-mind when travelling domestically through its Fly Well program.
QantasLink CEO John Gissing said the new route is a great opportunity for travellers to explore the best of regional Australia.
"As the national carrier, we have an important role to play in driving tourism and supporting the industry's recovery," said Mr Gissing.
"Before COVID, more than 11 million Australians travelled overseas each year, so these flights will help convert some of these international trips into domestic holidays instead.
"We know there is significant pent up demand for travel. These new flights will help more Australians explore some of the incredible places in their own backyard and drive tourism, which is so vital to the local economies of regional areas.
"We'll be promoting these new flights to Griffith to millions of our frequent flyers across the country in the lead up to the flights commencing next year.
"We're also pleased to be able to offer Riverina residents more choice and competitive fares on these routes which have been monopolies for years."
Qantas flights continue to have complimentary baggage and food and drink included with every seat. The airline has now opened 30 of its 35 domestic and regional lounges across its network.
Qantas is offering customers the opportunity to join its Frequent Flyer program for free until 31 January 2021 via qantas.com/freejoin. Travellers will be able to earn Qantas Points and Status Credits on the new routes as well as using their points to book flights.
