Qantas to commence Canberra-Perth services

Qantas today announced it would commence daily services between Canberra and Perth from 4 February 2004, priced from A$210 one way a saving of around A$45 on one-stop service fares.

A special introductory fare of only A$199.00 one way inclusive of taxes, charges and levies is available for sale from today until 27 October for travel between 4 February until 31 July 2004.

Executive General Manager Qantas Airlines, John Borghetti, said the Boeing 737-400 services would operate with a timetable that allowed for a full day's business to be conducted in Canberra.

"The key benefits of these non-stop services are the convenience of a same-plane service and reduced travelling times.

"Customers who choose to fly direct between these cities rather than transiting can save more than an hour in travelling time," Mr Borghetti said.

"As well as being good news for business travellers, we believe the convenience of these direct services and the lower fares will encourage more holiday travel between Western Australia and the ACT," he said.

"All customers on these flights will be offered the international meal and beverage service introduced earlier this year on trans-continental flights." 

Mr Borghetti said Qantas Holidays had also launched a range of holiday packages to support the new services.

The packages include return Economy Class air fares and either two or three nights accommodation, with two-night packages priced from A$561 ex-Perth and from A$529 ex Canberra, per person share twin.

The Qantas Club lounge in Perth has recently been renovated to include 100 additional seats, as well as new furniture and fittings, bathroom facilities (including showers), buffet and bar. Qantas said that refurbishment of the Qantas Club lounge in Canberra is also under way, with increased seating and new interiors.