Qantas launches Perth to Busselton service to capitalise on interstate, global interest in South West

Qantas is launching a service between Perth and Busselton on the back of the success of interstate flights into the South West tourism gateway. The major Australian carrier said it would start the service — which will run three times a week — on June 27 as part of a push to make Margaret River’s famous wineries and Cape Leeuwin coast more accessible to international and interstate tourists. The services on Monday, Friday and Sunday will have capacity for 31,000 seats a year. The QantasLink services are timed to coincide with the Australian winter school holidays seasons and will be in place in time for the spring whale migration season. Qantas pointed to the success of Jetstar flights connecting Busselton with Sydney and Melbourne when unveiling the new Perth service. QantasLink chief executive Rachel Yangoyan said her team was committed to supporting regional tourism. The flights will use QantasLink’s 100-seat Fokker F100 jets. Busselton mayor Phill Cronin said he was extremely excited about the new services from Perth. In addition to strengthening connections for interstate and international visitors, Mr Cronin said the QantasLink flights would enhance travel options for locals and for the corporate market. Busselton was pushing to become the State’s premier regional business event destination with the opening later this year of the Saltwater Convention and Performing Arts Centre. “This additional route will enhance our opportunities to host large business events and world-class entertainment, which will boost the local economy and elevate the city’s cultural landscape,” the mayor said.