Qantas to offer bigger discounts on NT regional fares

QANTAS is making its discounted regional fares program in the Northern Territory more attractive, with bigger discounts planned for locals during busy period

QANTAS is making its discounted regional fares program in the Northern Territory more attractive, with bigger discounts planned for locals during busy periods.

Currently, Qantas provides residents flying between their home town and the nearest capital city with discounts of 20-30 per cent – with discounted fares starting at $175-$325 per sector when booking return journeys. These discounts will remain.

Qantas is making its discounted regional fares program in the Northern Territory more attractive. Picture: Andreas Smetana

Bigger discounts will now apply to fares booked during busy periods and at the last minute, so the maximum residents will pay will be approximately $400 per sector when booking return journeys (about $800 return).

Qantas wants Alice Springs and Yulara (Ayers Rock) airports to reduce the fees charged to each passenger, which are built into airfares, so further savings can be passed onto to NT travellers.

Qantas Domestic chief executive Andrew David said the airline was responding to feedback from residents in regional Australia about accessing more affordable air travel.

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“We have been out to visit regional communities to listen to their concerns and those raised through the Senate Inquiry into regional airfares, and we are responding,” Mr David said.

“The existing discount program is proving to be extremely popular but some residents have told us that when they need to travel during peak travel periods or at the last minute, for things like funerals or urgent medical appointments, they end up booking our highest fares and paying more or they don’t travel.

“That’s why we are introducing bigger discounts to these bookings.

“The maximum discount program residents will pay is around $400 per sector, or around $800 return. Discounted maximum fares are only available via Qantas’ dedicated resident fares website.

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Residents in regional and remote towns across Australia will benefit from a major expansion to Qantas’ discounted fares program.

The national carrier will provide discounts for residents in 16 towns across the Northern Territory, Queensland, and Western Australia.