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QantasLink has opened bookings for two services to Australian islands in the Indian Ocean.
The flights, launching 3 November, will operate twice per week, on Mondays and Fridays, from Perth to Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands using A319 and A320 aircraft. Outbound flights from Perth will operate as QF361 and QF363 and return services as QF362 and QF364.
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The flights are part of a new five-year partnership with the federal government, which will include both passenger and dedicated freight services for the 2,500 residents of the island territories.
“We’re proud to have been selected by the Australian government to provide these essential services to the Indian Ocean Territories,” said QantasLink CEO Rachel Yangoyan.
“QantasLink has a long history connecting remote communities across Australia and we’re committed to delivering a reliable and warm service to customers.
“We look forward to supporting these island communities and helping maintain their vital connection to mainland Australia, while also making it easier for Australians to discover the incredible natural beauty and unique cultures of Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands.”
The route is currently operated by Virgin Australia Regional Airlines, which will cease operating it on 31 October. Virgin says it will work with QantasLink to transfer any existing bookings past that date.
“Virgin Australia Regional Airlines is proud to have serviced Christmas Island and Cocos (Keeling) Islands for nearly a decade,” a Virgin spokesperson said.
“During this time, we provided the only critical transport link between Perth and these remote communities, including during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
QantasLink last year acquired three mid-life A319s formerly flown by US low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines for its WA subsidiary Network Aviation.
The 150-seater A319 fleet will begin two trans-continental services next month: a new route from Perth to Newcastle three times per week on 8 September and restoring a former Perth–Hobart service three times per week from 26 September.
The Newcastle service is backed by the NSW government’s Aviation Attraction Fund and will add 45,000 annual seats between the east and west coasts, while the reinstated Hobart service, operating for the first time since 2023, will provide an additional 32,000 annual seats between the Tasmanian and Western Australia markets and will benefit both leisure and FIFO travellers.
“We’re really proud to continue our support for Western Australia’s resource and tourism sectors, with our newest QantasLink routes linking Perth to Hobart once more and Perth to Newcastle for the first time,” Yangoyan said in May.
“These direct services will not only boost inbound visitors to WA but offer more opportunities for those working in the resource sectors across the country with improved options for their travel.”
