Qantas to Boost Domestic Capacity on Key Routes

The Chief Executive Officer of Qantas, Geoff Dixon, said today that Qantas would increase its frequencies on key business routes and continue to provide a broad range of discount fares for all travellers.

Mr Dixon said that Qantas, Jetstar and QantasLink together would offer a comprehensive and complementary range of services.

"Jetstar's launch gives Qantas and QantasLink a great opportunity to grow on those routes that are particularly suited to our full-service and regional products," Mr Dixon said.

He said Qantas would:

· boost frequencies on its Sydney-Melbourne and Sydney-Brisbane routes from May 2004;

· take its total Boeing 737-800 fleet to 26 by mid 2005;

· streamline its core domestic fleet, operating only two types of aircraft - Boeing 737s and Boeing 767s, phasing out its older 737-300s and progressively transferring its A330s to international flying;

· offer a two-class jet operation on all Qantas Airlines domestic routes; and

· add four new 50-seat Dash 8 aircraft to the QantasLink regional fleet, in addition to the three already delivered from January 2004.

"Qantas and QantasLink will continue to operate on all their current routes with the exception of Maroochydore and Proserpine," he said.

Mr Dixon said Qantas staff had undergone extensive training over the past month to ensure support for customers making bookings involving both Qantas and Jetstar sectors.

"While Jetstar will be responsible for all Jetstar-only bookings, the Qantas web site, Qantas Telephone Sales and Qantas Travel Centres will handle any bookings involving mixed itineraries of Qantas and Jetstar flights in the one trip." 

He said Qantas Club and Chairmans Lounge members would continue to have access to the Qantas network of lounges when travelling on Jetstar flights, and Qantas Frequent Flyers would be able to redeem or "burn" points on Jetstar flights.