Qantaslink Launches Larger Aircraft for SA Travel

Regional South Australian travellers will benefit from more seats and improved reliability as Qantas today upgrades 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.

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.

The airline is also overhauling its beverage offering. Eight new regional wines will debut onboard all QantasLink turboprop flights from mid-March, with six of these being from South Australian wineries including Stonehaven, Pioneer Road and Angove.

QantasLink CEO Rachel Yangoyan said today 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.

"The overhaul of our wine offering across our turboprop network to showcase six South Australian wines to over 3.5 million customers a year is great for local tourism and will grow our support for the local economy."

Adelaide Airport Managing Director, Brenton Cox, said: "Regional flights are the lifeblood of our country towns and cities.

"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."

South Australian Tourism Minister, Zoe Bettison said: "This is 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.

"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.

Details of the first Q400 flights:

Details on South Australian wines:

Visual assets will be uploaded here following the press conference in Adelaide.