Qantas gets the jump on Bonza with new routes

Qantas is adding two new routes to its domestic network next year, in an apparent move to head off competition from Bonza to hotspots like the Barossa Valley.

Qantas will launch flights between Adelaide and Newcastle next year, in the only direct connection between the cities, which are the gateways to the Barossa Valley (pictured) and Hunter Valley respectively.

Qantas is expanding its domestic network again with the announcement of two new routes that appear timed to get the jump on fledgling budget carrier Bonza.

From early next year, QantasLink will begin flights between Adelaide and Newcastle, and Wagga Wagga and Brisbane.

The thrice-weekly services will be the only direct connections between those destinations, saving passengers considerable time on current flights that go via Sydney.

The foray into the new routes could be seen as getting the jump on Bonza, which aims to operate currently unserviced connections, at low cost.

The QantasLink flights will commence on March 28, 2022, around the same time Bonza hopes to be getting airborne with two or three new Boeing 737 Max 8s.

QantasLink will use Q400 turboprops on Wagga Wagga-Brisbane services, and Embraer 190 jets wet-leased from Alliance on Adelaide-Newcastle.

“As Australia’s largest regional airline, we know we have an important role to play keeping regions connected and driving tourism,” said QantasLink CEO John Gissing.

He said as gateways to some of Australia’s best wine regions, there was strong demand for direct services between Adelaide and Newcastle.

Non-stop flights between Wagga and Brisbane would also stimulate tourism, Mr Gissing said.

“This service will make it easier for Queenslanders to catch up with family and friends and explore the beautiful Riverina region,” he said.

“It will also give Wagga residents easy access to some of Queensland’s amazing holiday destinations.”

South Australian Premier Steven Marshall welcomed the new services between Adelaide and Newcastle, saying they would lead to further growth of the state’s visitor economy.

“Newcastle offers a significant opportunity for leisure tourism and also for resources, defence and other corporate travel,” Mr Marshall said.

“Qantas has provided South Australia with a number of new routes after basing the E190 aircraft here, and it’s terrific to continue our strong relationship with such an important partner.”

Queensland Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the services between Brisbane and Wagga Wagga were “supported by the Queensland Government”.

“We know how important the Brisbane visitor experience is to the recovery of the tourism economy,” said Mr Hinchliffe.

“In 2022, Queensland is the place to be for a world-class holiday getaway.”

Special fares of $149 one-way were available on both new routes until November 7, unless sold out.

Since the Covid pandemic erupted, putting a halt to international travel, Qantas has added more than 30 new domestic routes to its network.

Virgin Australia has also pursued new connections, with its new Perth-Launceston service due to takeoff on Friday for the first time.

It will be the first time in Launceston Airport’s history the town has had a direct link to Western Australia.

Operating three times a week initially, the service will go daily over the Christmas holidays to meet pent-up demand.

Originally published as Qantas gets the jump on Bonza with new routes