Qantas yesterday announced that it would add six Boeing 717 aircraft to its fleet over the next three months and introduce new non-stop services to regional Queensland cities.

Chief Executive Officer Geoff Dixon said Qantas would take delivery in May and June of six Boeing 717 aircraft configured in two classes.

The new aircraft will allow Qantas to offer new Boeing 717 services to destinations in Queensland, including Coolangatta, Rockhampton, Proserpine, Mackay and Townsville.

“The arrival of these aircraft will increase tourism opportunities throughout regional Queensland and will create more than 150 jobs within QantasLink for pilots, flight attendants, engineers and operational staff,” Mr Dixon said.

QantasLink will introduce new non-stop services on routes between:- Sydney and Rockhampton - Sydney and Proserpine - Sydney and Mackay - Sydney and Townsville - Melbourne and Maroochydore
- Adelaide and Coolangatta - Hobart and Coolangatta

p>“QantasLink is a substantial operation throughout regional Australia and it is continuing to grow and support industry and tourism in regional areas,” Mr Dixon said.

“These new aircraft will complement the existing fleet of eight Boeing 717s and will take the QantasLink total fleet to 76 aircraft, operating more than 2500 flights each week and providing employment for more than 2000 people.”

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