Qantas has signed a new three-year agreement with Devonport Airport that includes an upgrade to the airline’s passenger lounge.
The deal covers 46 weekly flights between Tasmania’s north-west and Melbourne, ensuring regular connections for both business and leisure travellers.
The airline last year introduced Q400 aircraft on the route, delivering a 26% boost in capacity.
The turboprops are marketed as faster, quieter and more efficient than previous aircraft.
QantasLink chief executive Rachel Yangoyan said the lounge upgrade was part of a broader focus on regional travellers.
“Thousands of Frequent Flyers use the Devonport lounge each year and this refresh will make it more comfortable, modern and functional,” she said.
TasPorts chief executive Anthony Donald said the partnership recognised Devonport’s growing importance as the north-west’s key aviation hub.
Devonport Airport, owned and operated by TasPorts, handles about 147,000 passengers a year.
“Devonport Airport is already one of Australia’s top 10 airports for on-time performance and this partnership builds on that momentum,” he said.
The airport operator is also rolling out a 15-year master plan featuring new business facilities, improved security screening and sustainable refuelling options for both commercial and emergency aircraft.
Infrastructure Minister Kerry Vincent said reliable air links were vital to Tasmania’s regional economy.
“Sustainable, year-round flights coming in and out of Devonport unlocks business and tourism opportunities and delivers certainty for more Tasmanians,” he said.
The new deal comes as construction continues on a Qantas Club at Hobart Airport and as the airline reinstates flights from Hobart to Perth and Canberra.
At the same time, Qantas is winding down its Hobart crew base, which had been home to around 70 staff, including pilots and flight attendants.
The airline said no jobs would be lost, though crew members would need to commute or relocate.
Qantas remains one of two commercial airlines operating from Devonport, alongside Rex.
