Qantas to Resume Services to Gold Coast

23rd Aug 2012

After five years of absence, Qantas will resume its service to Gold Coast on October 28 this year. Jetstar, its sister budget carrier, has been serving the route since 2007.

The Sydney-Gold Coast service will initially run three times a day - morning, afternoon and evening.

The airport lounge owned by Jetstar at Gold Coast Airport will get an upgrade and be transformed into a Qantas Club towards the end of this year. Along with it, Qantas will also install its Next-Gen Check-in system in the airport as part of its enhanced service.

Lyell Strambi, Qantas Domestic head, revealed to the Australian Business Traveler that Jetstar clients who are holders of Qantas Frequent Flyer Gold or Platinum shall also be allowed to use the newly-renovated lounge for free.

The airline's decision to return to Gold Coast was primarily attributed to its status as one of the six largest cities in Australia buoyed by its dynamic economy that has become a magnet for meetings, incentives, conventions and events or MICE. Another factor that the airline has considered to make a comeback to Gold Coast is its close proximity to Brisbane, a sprawling metropolis whose urban population is steadily growing.

Budget travelers between the two cities need not fret about Qantas' return. Jetstar will still continue to fly between Gold Coast and Sydney at its current frequency and it has no plan of ceasing its operation once Qantas starts flying come October 28. Qantas will simply offer options to leisure and business travelers who want a premium brand of service from a full-service airline known for its premium quality service.

With the re-entry of Qantas into the Sydney to Gold Coast route, Virgin Australia has a new competitor to contend with while Jetstar will remain the only carrier that provides meal and checked luggage to each passenger.

The resumption of service by Qantas between the two cities will signal trouble ahead for Virgin Australia as it increased its flights recently to the same route and has even opened a new lounge for its privileged travelers.