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WAGGA AIRPORT TAKES GREAT LEAP FORWARD WITH THE ARRIVAL OF Q400
The Daily Advertiser, 22 January 2010
AIRLINE passengers travelling between Wagga and Sydney can now look forward to faster flights and greater seat availability, all thanks to the pending arrival of an impressive brand-new aircraft.
Executive manager of QantasLink Narendra Kuma travelled to Wagga yesterday to announce the introduction of a new state-of-the-art Bombadier Q400 aircraft, set to take over 20 of the airline's 26 weekly return services to Sydney,
Speaking at Wagga Airport yesterday Mr Kumar said the new 74-seat Q400, replacing a 50-seat Q300, would provide an additional 460 passenger seats on the route each week with services due to commence on March 8.
"We are very excited to introduce this premium regional aircraft to Wagga," he said.
"There will be more seats avaialble when more people want them and the new aircraft will also reduce flying time on the route from 70 minutes to just an hour."
"But for us it's more about the partnership with the local community, it's about the opportunities for local tourism and also for business travellers."
Mr Kumar said the new aircraft, which carries a price tag of up to $30 million, had only just arrived in Australia after construction was completed in Canada.
Scheduled to start flying from Wagga in early March, Wagga City Council has worked closely with QantasLink to ensure the Wagga Airport upgrade would be complete on time.
Mayor Kerry Pascoe said work, including extensive paving, was close to completion.
He said the introduction of the Q400 aircraft to Wagga could open up new opportunities for passengers.
"The airport is one of the jewels in the crown of the city and we are in a very interesting phase," he said.
"It's exciting to get the Q400 into the airport here, not only to bring people into the city but also for those who need to travel to Sydney for work, there are also a lot of people who go to city for medical procedures."
A limited sale on tickets between Wagga and Sydney is under way today to celebrate the introduction of the Q400 with passengers able to fly as little as $44 between March 8 and April 4.
By Michelle Webster
