QANTASLINK TO RESUME ROCKHAMPTON FLYING

Brisbane, 22 January 2011: QantasLink announced today it would resume services into and out of Rockhampton when the local airport reopened next Monday 24 January.

QantasLink Executive Manager, Mr Narendra Kumar, said the airline suspended operations to Rockhampton when the airport closed to all airlines on 1 January.

“The aftermath of Queensland’s devastating floods will be felt by the state for many weeks and months to come,” Mr Kumar said.

“The disaster has reinforced the importance of strong air links to regional communities, and QantasLink has been able to maintain services across its Queensland network, with the exception of Rockhampton.

“This has included adding more than 350 supplementary services since 29 December, and providing extra seats on some routes using larger aircraft,
“Based on the careful assessment of Rockhampton Regional Council, as well as our own people, we will resume services linking Rockhampton to Brisbane, Cairns, Gladstone, Mackay and Townsville from first flight, QF2362 between Brisbane and Rockhampton, scheduled to arrive at 8.00am, on 24 January.

“Flights will initially be limited to daytime hours due to runway limitations. This will mean a reduced schedule over two days, however we will operate our larger and faster 74-seat Q400 aircraft on all sectors to provide as many seats as possible.

“Night time operations are scheduled to resume on 26 January, with a full schedule of mainly Q400 flights to be in place from 31 January.”

QantasLink will then operate (per week): ␣ 46 return flights between Rockhampton and Brisbane; ␣ 9 return flights between Rockhampton and Brisbane via Gladstone; and ␣ 14 return flights per week from Rockhampton north to Mackay, Townsville and Cairns

Mr Kumar said QantasLink remained strongly committed to its Queensland operations that cover 21 destinations.

“The Qantas Group, employees and customers have also pledged their support for people and communities affected by the floods,” he said.

“In addition to an initial donation of $500,000 to the Premiers Disaster Relief Appeal, Qantas expects to donate a further $500,000 following the special Australia v England cricket match in Brisbane on 30 January.

“Both Qantas and QantasLink have assisted flood affected communities and offered fare waivers to those needing to defer or cancel their travel.

“Our offer of assistance to the Queensland and Federal Governments, and emergency services also remains open throughout the recovery period.”

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Issued by Qantas Corporate Communication (Q5063) Media Enquiries: Simon Rushton M: 0407 786 809