Qantas changes to Territory network are welcomed

THE changes to the Qantas network in the Territory are largely welcomed.

A Qantas Boeing 737-800 aircraft which will now fly from Darwin to Alice Springs

THE changes to the Qantas network in the Territory are largely welcomed.

Direct flights from Darwin to Uluru will hopefully be a fillip for both places and gives tourists and locals some extra options.

For the many Territorians who have never visited Uluru this is a great chance for them to tick it off their bucket list.

The one burning question on this route, however, will be price. If it’s $400 or $500 one way (which is highly likely) it will put people off travelling.

From an international perspective, however, the new route has the potential to be lucrative for the Territory.

Now, cashed up holidaymakers can fly into Darwin, spend a few days in the Top End and Kakadu, and then travel direct to Uluru for an ultimate Territory adventure.

The key to success will be how they market it. This is a huge opportunity to super charge the tourism industry.

The discounted fares for Alice Springs residents to fly to and from Darwin is also a victory.

It will allow more Alice Springs people to holiday and do business in the Top End, which can only be a good thing. It will also allow residents to travel to Darwin for health-related appointments.

The downside to these changes is that it will lead to some Qantas employees moving out of the Top End to other states.

But don’t forget the Territory is still hanging onto hope that we will become the second destination for the Qantas pilot training academy. We can only hope.