Qantas to axe a quarter of its flights to Devonport due to transition: Will it go further?

A North-West Coast airport could have a quarter of its flights axed because of a change in aircraft. But can we expect changes at other Tasmanian centres.

A Qantas Q400 aircraft takes off. Photo: James D. Morgan/Getty Images for Qantas

Qantas says a larger aircraft will offer an additional 100 seats per week to a key regional Tasmanian route — however, the move has been slammed by locals for removing a quarter of its weekly fights.

Devonport will reportedly have seven of its 27 weekly flights to and from Melbourne cut, according to the city’s chamber of commerce.

A Qantas spokesperson said it was part of switching to a larger turboprop aircraft across its regional network, including Devonport.

“As we transition from the older fleet, there will be minor reductions in frequency as we train pilots however capacity to and from Devonport will be maintained and will increase once this transition is complete,” the spokesperson said.

They said the North-West hub would have an additional 100 seats per week from the transition.

Archive image of Devonport Airport Qantas check in

The move hasn’t been described as a “disgrace” by Devonport Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Claire Connelly.

“We have so many concerns about this,” Ms Connelly said.

“Elimination of some of the 0630 flights out of Devonport, means that when our members travel for work, they will need to fly the day before, losing precious family time and incurring additional meal and accommodation costs in Melbourne.

“Similarly, returning Tasmanians and tourists will no longer be able to fly out of Devonport late on Mondays or Sundays.

“This impacts all North-West Tasmanians, and we’re being hit on several fronts.”

She said it would impact businesses, tourism and those seeking medical treatments.

“Unless larger planes delivers cheaper flights, there is no upside to this,” she said.

Ms Connelly said the chamber had written to Qantas seeking an opportunity to discuss the matter.

The QantasLink DHC-8 400 Series aircraft, with 74 economy seats.

Will it impact other Tasmanian centres?

Qantas was questioned on what impact the fleet transition would have on other Tasmanian centres, however the airline didn’t provide a direct response.

The Mercury understands the frequency of flights will also change in Burnie as Qantas makes the switch to Q400 for that route to Melbourne.

It’s expected that change will provide a further 60 seats per week, however it’s unclear how it will impact the frequency.

There will also be a change in aircraft used by Qantas for Launceston routes to Sydney and Melbourne when the new airbus A220 commences flying from the airport.

It is unclear what impact that will have on capacity or frequency of flights from that airport.

Hobart Qantas services are already serviced by A220 aircraft.