New Coffs to Brisbane flights take off after COVID-19 setback

Qantas’ first ever direct flight between Brisbane and the Coffs Coast makes a landing after four-week delay.

Qantas' first direct flight between Brisbane and Coffs Harbour touched down at Coffs Harbour Airport on Thursday.

After the launch was hampered by COVID-19, family and friends waited in eager anticipation at the arrivals hall for their loved ones to disembark Qantas’ first ever direct flight between Brisbane and the Coffs Coast.

The turboprop Q400 aircraft touched down soon after midday, marking the start of what is Qantas’ second new service at Coffs airport this month.

Passengers were welcomed with cupcakes from airport staff as they filed into the arrivals hall. Among them was young couple Tegan Monahan and Liam O’Loughlin who had come to Coffs for a friend’s wedding on the weekend – and they admitted the flight proved a much more convenient travel experience.

“It’s a lot better than having to drive for more than three hours,” Mr O’Loughlin said.

Tegan Monahan and Liam O'Loughlin were passengers on Qantas' first direct flight between Brisbane and Coffs Harbour.

The Brisbane service was due to launch on the same date as Qantas’ new Melbourne service at the beginning of April, however the snap lockdown saw these plans come to a screeching halt, delaying the launch by four weeks.

Gareth Williamson, General Manager of Aviation Business Development for Agilis Airports, was also one of the passengers on the first flight. Agilis Airports, which also manages Sunshine Coast Airport, is the management group that will soon oversee the operations of the council-owned asset once Palisade Investment Partners takes on the long-term lease.

Agilis Airports are currently in a transition period with Coffs Harbour City Council, which Mr Williamson said is expected to take around another month or so.

Gareth Williamson, General Manager of Aviation Business Development for Agilis Airports, the company which will soon take on management of Coffs Harbour Airport.

“The launch of the Brisbane services was postponed by four weeks which was a shame, but that’s the way of the industry at the moment,” he told The Advocate.

“So it’s fantastic to be able to welcome it officially today – it’s a four times a week service, and it’s the first time Qantas has operated on this route.”

Qantas’ new services from Coffs – which includes the Melbourne route as well as an increase in the size of aircraft on its Sydney route – comes at the same time that Virgin Australia has withdrawn from the region.

Mr Williamson said it was disappointing to see Virgin exit the region, but said the airport’s bolstered partnership with Qantas as well as the introduction of Rex’s new Sydney flights showed there was confidence in the region.

Qantas' first direct flight between Brisbane and Coffs Harbour touched down at Coffs Harbour Airport on April 29.

He said the Melbourne flights have proven to be a “fantastic performer” from day one, with the first flight on April 1 being at near full capacity.

“The partnership with Qantas has been about supporting a whole network. It’s the first time Qantas has operated in that style in this region and they can see the potential here,” he said.

“It was disappointing that Virgin did suspend its services but we’re confident we’ll be able to welcome them back into the region at another point in time.

“Overall the airport’s had an exciting month, and it’s great to see the passenger loads are really strong.”

The Brisbane route has commenced just in time for Queensland’s Labour Day long weekend, and will operate four times a week providing over 31,000 seats between the destinations each year, or 600 each week.

Leading up to the acquisition of Coffs Harbour Airport by Palisade Investment Group, incoming airport General Manager Frank Mondello was also optimistic.

“Having these direct flights will not only pave the way for a strong tourism recovery after COVID-19, but will further strengthen the region’s business links.

“We also know plenty of Coffs locals have family and friends up in Brisbane, and what better way than to be from your home into Queensland’s capital within an hour.”