QANTAS TO FURTHER EXPAND WESTERN AUSTRALIA OPERATIONS

EXMOUTH, 18 January 2011: Qantas today announced the significant expansion of its full service Western Australia operations, including a new route linking Perth and Exmouth*.

Qantas Regional General Manager Western Australia and Northern Territory, Mr Ian Gay, said Qantas and its regional airline, QantasLink, would have an even stronger presence in the state.

“Across all of its flying brands, the Qantas Group is the largest airline operating into and within Western Australia,” Mr Gay said.
“With the Western Australian Government’s review of regulated routes opening Perth-Exmouth up to a second licensed operator, QantasLink will commence B717 services, initially three-times-a-week, from 31 March**.

“This will be a welcome addition to our operations in the north of the state, providing new air links for the local community and the business, tourism, mining and energy sectors, and connecting to the broader Qantas domestic and international networks.
“We also welcome the Government’s decision to deregulate the Perth-Geraldton route and will now assess options around a possible future operation to Geraldton.”

With the addition of Exmouth, the Qantas Group’s Western Australia network will comprise nine destinations.

Mr Gay said Qantas and QantasLink would also grow capacity on other intra-state routes and between Perth and Melbourne.
“From 27 March, Qantas will base an additional B737-800 aircraft in Perth to meet current and future market demands, adding nearly 7,000 seats per week between Perth and Broome, Kalgoorlie, Karratha, Newman, Paraburdoo and Port Hedland.

“Qantas will also increase capacity between Perth and Melbourne by more than 2,000 seats per week by adding four return services from 17 April, including three operated by A330-300 aircraft.

“Qantas currently operates 45 return services each week on this route. These additional services will grow frequency by nearly 10 per cent and meet what is clearly increased demand for travel between Western Australia and Victoria.

Qantas Airways Limited ABN 16 009 661 901 Further information and media releases can be found at the Qantas website: qantas.com

“The new services will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. The morning Perth- Melbourne sectors will be timed to provide same day connections from a range of regional destinations, while the afternoon Melbourne-Perth flights will appeal particularly to the business market.”

• Subject to final approval ** Fares for sale from 1 February

Note: For breaking Qantas news via Twitter, go to http://twitter.com/qantasmedia

Issued by Qantas Corporate Communication (Q5062) Media Enquiries:
Simon Rushton
T: +612 9691 3742
M: +61 (0)418 210 005