Jake Nelson

Starting in March, the low-cost carrier’s Dunedin and Hamilton services from the Gold Coast will each go from three to four flights per week, with each seeing load factors of more than 90 per cent on many flights.

Skyway, a joint venture between BMD Group and CPB Contractors, will carry out a major works package on the 3,000-metre runway, including earthworks, access roads, runways and taxiways, ground lighting, and other necessary infrastructure.

While Qantas’ regional arm will retain its separate AOC structures and accountabilities, the airline will now be reporting to Svensson instead of former CEO Rachel Yangoyan, who has moved to the newly-created role of chief technology, AI and transformation officer effective immediately.

The inaugural JQ101 service took off from Brisbane on Wednesday aboard A321neo LR VH-OYW, with three return flights to operate every week, increasing to four between the end of January and the end of March. It follows the launch of Perth–Manila flights at the end of November.

The research commissioned by the AAA and conducted by Zing Insights surveyed 500 Australians and found 78 per cent were in favour of passportless systems like biometrics to make the journey faster, while 71 per cent supported digitising the incoming passenger card.

The inaugural flight JQ489 took off from Newcastle just before 4pm on Tuesday aboard Jetstar’s A320-200 VH-VFX, touching down in Hobart around two hours later. Flights will operate three times per week until 21 April 2026, for a total of around 22,000 seats.