OREANDA-NEWS. Qantas announced a number of new regional routes, providing customers with direct services to five new destinations on its domestic network.

Through better utilisation of aircraft Qantas will provide customers with access to the following new routes: Brisbane to Port Macquarie, Melbourne to Coffs Harbour, Sydney to Hervey Bay, Sydney to Hamilton Island and Brisbane to Miles.

Qantas Domestic CEO Lyell Strambi said the airline was delighted to be offering customers services on the new Qantas routes.

“This is great news for tourism in Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, Hervey Bay, Hamilton Island and Miles,” Mr Strambi said.

“We've listened to our customers who told us they want direct services to these destinations, with most of them being popular holiday spots.

“Customers would previously have to travel via another port, now they are able to travel direct to their holiday destination. For example, Melbourne customers travelling to Coffs Harbour will shave off around two hours off their travel time with the new service.

“We looked at ways we can better use our aircraft, particularly on the weekends, and found network improvements resulting in additional aircraft being free to support these new routes.

“Not only will this provide more choice for our customers, it is a good revenue opportunity for the Qantas Group.”

Tickets will be available for sale today on qantas.com or through travel agents.