From July, Qantas intends to operate 12 return services per week, throughout the year. This is an increase from its existing schedule of five return flights per week for the majority of the year, and three return services during off-peak.
QantasLink CEO John Gissing made the announcement at Adelaide Airport with South Australian Premier Steven Marshall and Federal Tourism Minister Simon Birmingham, saying the national carrier wanted to support Kangaroo Island’s recovery from the devastating bushfires.
“Now is the time to be supporting Kangaroo Island, and what Kangaroo Island needs over the months and years ahead is for tourists to come back and a reliable air service is vital for that to occur,” he said.
“Everyone at Qantas is proud that we are adding more flights and helping Kangaroo Island get back on its feet.”
Mr Gissing said Qantas was working closely with the South Australia Tourism Commission to support the “#BookThemOut” campaign.
The flights will be operated by QantasLink’s 50 seat Q-300 aircraft. The flights will be re-timed to enable easy connections through Adelaide for domestic and international tourists
visiting the Island with Qantas and its partner airlines, including Emirates and American Airlines.
Premier Steven Marshall welcomed the news, adding that it was “a terrific show of support for the Kangaroo Island community, and a significant investment from Qantas.”
“Today’s announcement will give the island and the entire SA tourism sector a major boost of confidence and will encourage more people to #BookThemOut,” Mr Marshall said.
SATC chief executive Rodney Harrex said it was an outstanding outcome for the hard-hit Kangaroo Island community.
“We have had a long and productive relationship with Qantas for many years, as we have with other carriers, so it is a great outcome that Qantas is coming on board to further boost the island’s recovery process,” Mr Harrex said.
“It’s perfect timing and a very positive sign for everyone on the island.”
The additional flights will go on sale later this month. Sale fares will start as low as $99 one-way.
Qantas also operates flights from Melbourne to Kangaroo Island over summer.
