Qantas Launches Brisbane to Port Vila Route
Qantas has officially inaugurated its new route connecting Brisbane Airport (BNE) with Bauerfield International Airport (VLI) in Port Vila, Vanuatu. The inaugural flight, QF159, departed Brisbane on September 10, 2024, at 11:37 local time, and arrived in Port Vila at 14:59 local time after a nearly three-hour journey.
The new service will operate three times per week, offering travelers a direct link between Australia and Vanuatu. Beginning December 12, 2024, Jetstar Airways, a subsidiary of the Qantas Group, will also commence up to four weekly flights between Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) and Port Vila.
Both Qantas and Jetstar are set to introduce over 150,000 new seats annually on these routes, aiming to boost connectivity between the two regions.
According to the Vanuatu Bureau of Statistics, Australians make up 39% of international visitors to Vanuatu, with Europeans at 28%, other Pacific Islanders at 9%, and North Americans at 7%. Notably, 71.1% of visitors travel to Vanuatu for holiday and leisure, attracted by its breathtaking landscapes, World War II shipwrecks, and pristine beaches.
Qantas Group CEO International, Cam Wallace, expressed enthusiasm about the new route: “We are thrilled to expand our network with the introduction of direct flights between Brisbane and Port Vila. This new route will enhance connectivity between Australia and the South Pacific, creating more opportunities for leisure and business travel.”
Wallace highlighted Vanuatu’s appeal, stating, “With its lush landscapes and crystal blue waters, Vanuatu is a truly remarkable destination. We are proud to offer our customers more ways to experience its natural beauty.”
The launch of the Brisbane-Port Vila route follows Qantas’ recent introduction of flights from Brisbane to Wellington, New Zealand, and Honiara, Solomon Islands, in October 2023. Additionally, Qantas has announced a new route from Brisbane to Manila International Airport (MNL) starting in late October 2024, which will add over 100,000 seats annually between Australia and the Philippines.
With these expansions, Qantas continues to enhance its network, offering more direct flights and convenient travel options to key destinations in the South Pacific and beyond.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, Qantas