[Brad Myer]

Another one just announced:

QantasLink to Commence New Services Between Mt Isa and Townsville

QantasLink announced today it would commence services between Townsville and Mt Isa from March 2009, subject to regulatory approvals.

Qantas Group General Manager Regional Airlines, Mr Narendra Kumar, said the airline would offer 11 return services each week between the two regional destinations.

"The service will be operated by new 72-seat Bombardier Q400 aircraft that will be joining our fleet in early 2009," he said.

"As significant hubs in Queensland's Far North, Townsville and Mt Isa have experienced considerable growth in recent years in terms of population and the business and tourism sectors.

"QantasLink is pleased to be able to meet increasing demand from the mining and resource sectors by adding this new route to the Qantas Group's domestic network.

"Our Q400s offer jet-like speed, which means travel time on the route will be up to 25 minutes faster than what is currently on offer.

"Our proposed services will offer more than 80,000 seats per year, with double daily flights Monday to Friday and one on Sunday.

"The flight schedule will enable business travellers to commute between the two regional hubs during peak-demand times, and will also benefit fly-in fly-out workers needing to travel to surrounding mining centres."

Mr Kumar said the airline's investment in 21 new Bombardier Q400 aircraft had enabled it to expand capacity in Queensland since the introduction of the first aircraft in February 2006.

Flight schedules and air fares for the new services will be announced in coming weeks.

Look out MACAIR!!!!!!!!!