Addressing QantasLink Flight Reductions: Maintaining Connectivity for Moree Plains

I understand that many in the community will be disappointed in the news that QantasLink has reduced its weekly flight schedule on the Moree to Sydney route from 10 flights per week to 7. 

Council staff and I met with QantasLink representatives yesterday who advised that the change is in line with the minimum requirements of the new license agreement as set by the State Government/Transport for NSW and which commences in April 2025. They explained that the reason for the reduction is not so much about demand (our passenger numbers have been steadily increasing) but the availability of planes as they retire the Q200 (36 seats) and Q300 (50 seats) fleet in favour of the larger Q400 planes (74 seats). Whilst more Q400 planes are on order, it will take time for them to arrive in Australia and then also train more pilots to fly them, hence the need for reduced services until they have the full fleet.  

We highlighted that these flights however are more than just a numerical digit. Each flight that's been removed from the schedule represents a vital connection to the big smoke, enabling health by bringing specialists and GPs to town, getting our people to medical appointments and education, and keeping our economy going. 

The Moree Plains and QantasLink have enjoyed a longstanding commitment to one another and the community has worked hard to keep them as our carrier for this vital route. At a time where neighbouring shires are losing their Sydney air services, we are fortunate to have one of only two regulated routes in NSW, with our national carrier as our partner. 

In recognition of the value that we place on this relationship, in 2024, Council worked closely with QantasLink to undertake fast-tracked works to support their transition to the larger Q400 aircraft, upgrading Moree Regional Airport's apron to allow for additional parking needs at a cost of approximately $1.2m. In addition, we are excited to have received $1m from the Australian Government to match a further $1m from Council to enable better aeromedical access. Our airport and our air service remains a big strategic asset for our whole shire and region, and we have made it a priority.  

We have asked that QantasLink consults more broadly with Council and the community on the schedule changes. We know that the change in flight departure and arrival times has also provided some challenges - if we are to have fewer flights, they need to be on the right days and times. We have asked to look at continuing to use the smaller planes to fill the schedule. We are not precious, any plane will do! 

We will continue discussions with QantasLink representatives and the Hon. Jenny Aitchison MP Minister for Regional Transport to explore ways to ensure that our flight service provides the best utility for our community.