GREAT news for snow enthusiasts with Qantas launching three new winter seasonal routes that will service the snow resorts.
With regional travel in great demand and the snow season approaching, two routes from Sydney and Brisbane will land in Cooma, and one route from Brisbane to Albury for the Victorian Resorts.
From 1 July to 26 September 2021, the national carrier will operate the three new routes into the gateways of to the snowfields in New South Wales and Victoria:
• Sydney to Cooma – flights will operate three days per week.
• Brisbane to Cooma – flights will operate two days per week.
• Brisbane to Albury – flights will operate three days per week.
The Brisbane to Cooma flight could be a game changer for snow travellers who will have the easiest access to NSW resorts. With travel still unpredictable even to New Zealand, the Queensland market could open up to Australian Resorts.
Flights into Cooma can be met by a number of shuttle companies, including Snowlink Shuttles. Guests can then be whisked away to the town of Jindbayne, 35 minutes away, and Thredbo or Perisher a further 35 minute drive. Charlotte Pass is accessible via oversnow transport from Perisher.
From Albury, guests can access Falls Creek and Hotham resorts in Victoria.
All flights will be operated by QantasLink’s turboprop Q400 aircraft, an aircraft with capacity of up to 80 passengers. In total Qantas will offer more than 15,000 seats on the routes through winter.
QantasLink CEO John Gissing said the new routes would make it easier for Australians to access the Snowy Mountains and the Victorian Alps this winter.
“With international border closures meaning more Australians are planning their next holiday closer to home, we are creating more travel options where there is demand,” said Mr Gissing.
“We’re expecting these flights will be popular with skiers and snowboarders who might not have been able to hit the slopes through COVID last season in Australia or overseas.”
“We’ll be working with the major ski resorts and transport operators to promote these new flights to millions of our frequent flyers around the country, with connections from our large domestic network through Sydney or Brisbane making a trip to the snowfields more accessible.”
“These new flights are also good news for local businesses, hospitality and tour operators in the region, helping drive tourism and reviving the industry that has been hurting from COVID-19.”
The Member for Monaro and NSW Deputy Premier, John Barilaro, thanked Qantas for supporting regional communities in NSW and welcomed the announcement which will support tourism in the Snowy Mountains this ski season.
“Following the unfortunate decision from REX Airlines to discontinue flights into Cooma, I know that local business owners, hotels and the Snowy Mountains communities are relieved to learn of the new Qantas flights to be introduced,” Mr Barilaro said.
“With international border closures there has never been a better time to get out and see regional NSW, and this winter there’s no place I’d rather be than the beautiful Snowy Mountains.”
“I want to thank Qantas for supporting regional NSW and encouraging travel to the ski fields this season following a turbulent two years, and I’m certain avid skiers and families Australia-wide join me in thanking you.”
Flights from Sydney to Cooma are timed to allow travellers to depart after work on a Thursday or Friday and return Sunday evening, which enables them to enjoy a long weekend of skiing without needing to drive.
The flights from Brisbane will also offer Queenslanders the only direct airline connection to the snowfields this season.
Fares
Sydney and Cooma are available from $179 one-way
Brisbane to Cooma and Albury are available from $239 one-way.
Bookings can be made at www.qantas.com or through Travel Agents.
Qantas Frequent Flyers can book reward seats from Sydney to Cooma for 8,000 Qantas Points one-way and from Brisbane to Cooma and Albury for 12,000 Qantas Points one-way*. (* Plus taxes, fees and carrier charges.)
Customers will enjoy the benefits of Qantas’ premium service, including complimentary food and drinks, baggage and lounge access before they fly out.
Ski and snowboard equipment can be included as part of the checked baggage allowance.
To help offset some of the uncertainty on borders, Qantas is offering unlimited flight changes through to at least February 2022, for flights booked until at least the end of April 2021. The flight date can be changed to any available for sale at the time (up to 355 days in advance). Qantas will waive the change fee however a fare difference may apply.