TasPorts is proud to celebrate the return of QantasLink's larger and faster Q400 aircraft to Devonport Airport, marking a significant milestone for Northern Tasmania's connectivity and tourism.
Flight QF2051 touched down at 10.50 am this morning, greeted by local producers, who showcased the North West region's food culture and its reputation as a standout destination for exceptional produce.
TasPorts CEO Anthony Donald highlighted the importance of this reintroduction for the region.
"The return of the Q400 aircraft to Devonport Airport reflects the strong demand for better connectivity to and from the North West," Mr Donald said.
"This upgraded service delivers the equivalent of 18,000 more seats between Devonport and Melbourne each year, faster travel times, and greater reliability for our customers."
"This investment from QantasLink is a testament to the growing opportunities for our region. It directly supports residents, businesses, and visitors, enhancing Devonport's role as a gateway to Tasmania's North-West."
QantasLink CEO Rachel Yangoyan shared the airline's excitement about the reintroduction of the Q400 aircraft.
"We know the Devonport community have missed the larger Q400 aircraft, so we are delighted to be bringing it back to operate flights to Melbourne from today," Ms Yangoyan said.
"Moving our Devonport flights back to the Q400 aircraft is part of Qantas' investment in keeping regional Australia connected, and the larger aircraft offers more seats, a faster flight time and will improve reliability."
Devonport Mayor Alison Jarman welcomed the reintroduction of the Q400, highlighting its role in supporting the city's growth and accessibility.
"The Q400 not only strengthens Devonport's accessibility but also enhances opportunities for residents and businesses, supporting our city's growth as a vibrant, connected hub," Mayor Jarman said.
Gabriella Conti, CEO of West by North West, said the additional capacity provided by the Q400 would further strengthen the region's appeal as a top-tier destination.
"The Q400's return is good news for tourism and local businesses. More seats mean more opportunities for visitors to discover our coastal and regional towns and taste their way through the Tasting Trail, which stretches to the far North West of Tasmania. The trail showcases some of the world's finest produce, right here on Devonport's doorstep."
The return of the Q400 aircraft is part of Qantas' investment in its regional fleet and marks a significant boost for the Devonport-Melbourne route, with plans to add even greater capacity by April 2025.
This milestone further demonstrates TasPorts' commitment to fostering regional growth and ensuring Tasmania remains well-connected to the rest of Australia.