MOREE Plains Shire residents and visitors and tourists to the region have the services of Qantas for another five years, with the announcement QantasLink flights have been locked in until March, 2030.
Expressions of interest were called in June for the operation of regulated air routes between Sydney and Moree, with Transport for NSW and Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison today announcing the route was awarded to Qantas.
It is estimated 31,000 people used the Sydney to Moree service in 2023.
The increase in demand for more seating on return flights prompted Qantas in June this year to upgrade the service and use Qantas Dash 8 Q400 series aircraft on selected flights, and from mid-December, all QantasLink Moree flights will be the larger Q400 aircraft.
Moree Plains Shire mayor Susannah Pearse said the new contract was “fantastic news” for the Moree Plains and broader region.
“The Moree to Sydney flight route is of critical importance to our community and knowing that we will have Qantas continuing to deliver that service is great news,” Cr Pearse said.
“The fact they have signed on for another five years demonstrates their confidence in the strength of our region – smart businesses invest in the Moree Plains.
“Members of the Moree Plains community had the chance to have their say on what was important to them for this service via our council survey, which we ensured was considered in Transport for NSW’s review of the tenders.
“We thank Transport for NSW and Minister Jenny Aitchison for listening to our community and awarding the route to our trusted carrier.
“It’s great to know that Qantas still calls Moree home,” she said.
Member for Northern Tablelands, Brendan Moylan, applauded the announcement.
“Like everyone in Moree and the wider region, I welcome the news QantasLink has been awarded the contract for the next five years,” Mr Moylan said.
“Reliable flights to and from Sydney are important to us for health, business and holidays, and important for the community and surrounding areas.
“I congratulate the current and former Moree Plains Shire councillors for all of their work to secure a reliable air service,” he said.
The Moree to Sydney and Lord Howe Island to Sydney routes are the only regulated routes in New South Wales requiring licences in accordance with the Air Transport Act (NSW) 1964.
The process to award new licenses commenced in June, with the Sydney to Lord Howe Island route being awarded to Skytrans.
Minister Aitchinson said maintaining continuity of air transport connections to Moree and Lord Howe Island was a priority.
“These air services are critical connections for these communities, providing access to essential services including health care and education as well as shopping, visiting friends, family and business,” she said.
“The new (Moree) contract will continue with QantasLink, who will be able to continue the service.
“We know Moree really needs that connection into Sydney. There’s a lot of business going on in that part of the world that requires people to be able to travel to Sydney and onto other airports, so it’s a great outcome for them.”
QantasLink CEO Rachel Yangoyan said Qantas had a long history of connecting regional Australia.
“We’re proud to play a role in providing essential air links across the country,” Ms Yangoyan said.
“QantasLink has been flying to Moree since 1993 and we are pleased to be able to continue to provide these services for another five years.”
