FLIGHT WEST DOUBLES TOWNSVILLE - BRISBANE SERVICES

Until 31 July, the carrier will also offer an introductory fare of just $88 one way to help build awareness of the additional services, which will provide a range of new flight options for business and leisure travellers.

Next week the airline will announce a new management team, and by mid July, it also will unveil a new name and colour scheme, and more details of its growth plans. 

The Managing Director of Flight West, Mr Scott McMillan, said the extra services between Townsville and Brisbane were a direct response to demands by business travellers for more seats to Brisbane.

Research by the airline has also shown that its no-frills style and its quiet, comfortable Fokker 100 aircraft are popular with travellers on the Townsville - Brisbane route.

The Fokker 100 offers a comfortable 2 x 3 seat layout, giving Economy passengers an 80 per cent chance of a window or aisle seat.

As well, the rear-mounted Rolls Royce engines of the Flight West Fokker 100s provide a particularly quiet ride for passengers.

"Townsville will become an increasingly important part of our operations, and we have just signed long term leasing arrangements for increased facilities at Townsville Airport," said Mr McMillan.

"We currently operate eight return jet services per week between Townsville and the Western Queensland resource sites operated by Pasminco and Western Mining Corporation, and the new services to Brisbane mark the second phase of our development programme," he said.

Mr McMillan said the competitive airfares and expanded schedules were indicative of Flight West's commitment to the Townsville community, and recognised the support shown to the airline since the commencement of limited services to Brisbane last December.

The extra services between Brisbane and Townsville are part of a major expansion for Flight West, which has also announced today a significant capacity increase on the Brisbane- Gladstone route, with an increase from 12 to 18 weekly flights with 30-seat Embraer Brasilia aircraft, effective from 8 July.

Seats are limited and conditions apply for discount fares. Airport taxes are not included.