Qantas to boost capacity to six Western Australian destinations

Qantas is to significantly boost capacity to six Western Australian destinations, adding 700 seats each week from 23 February and a further 1,000 seats from 28 March by using larger aircraft.

Executive General Manager Qantas Airlines John Borghetti said the airline would use larger series BAe-146 and two-class Boeing 737 aircraft to operate services from Perth to Kalgoorlie, Karratha, Broome, Port Hedland, Paraburdoo and Newman.

"These larger aircraft provide extra seats that will stimulate the leisure and business markets and boost the state's tourism industries," he said.

Mr Borghetti said this latest increase in capacity followed a series of other Qantas initiatives in Western Australia.

"From 1 May, Qantas will introduce weekly services between Perth and Kununurra, catering for a very busy tourist trade. 

"These services will operate during the seasonal peak period between May and September - a perfect time for holiday travellers to explore the unique beauty of the East Kimberley Region, including the Ord River, Bungle Bungle and East Kimberley ranges," Mr Borghetti said.

"Earlier this month Qantas also launched non-stop services between Canberra and Perth and Perth and Cairns, reducing travel times by up to an hour and boosting tourism in both cities as well as meeting the needs of business travellers. 

"From next month, we plan to add 800 seats each week on our routes between Broome to Alice Springs, Sydney and Melbourne," he added.

Mr Borghetti said these moves demonstrated the airline's continued commitment to Western Australia.

"We will continue to look for ways of better serving our Western Australian customers, and ensuring that our services support the state's tourism needs," he said.