Qantas has commenced service from Brisbane to Port Vila, the harbour-side capital of Vanuatu, for the first time in the airline’s history. The inaugural service, QF159, was at full capacity Tuesday with holidaymakers and business travellers making the near three-hour journey to one of the Pacific’s hidden gems.
The new route offers three direct flights per week from the Sunshine State, and from 12 December 2024. Jetstar will also offer up to four weekly flights between Sydney and Port Vila. Across both airlines this will create more than 150,000 new seats each year between Australia and Vanuatu.
Qantas Group CEO International Cam Wallace says: “We are thrilled to expand our network with the introduction of direct flights between Brisbane and Port Vila. This new route will maintain connectivity between Australia and the South Pacific, opening new opportunities for leisure and business travel to the region. With its lush landscapes and crystal blue waters, Vanuatu is a truly remarkable destination and we are proud to offer our customers more ways to experience its natural beauty.”
Brisbane Airport CEO Gert-Jan Graaff says: “This new Qantas route to Port Vila reinforces Brisbane Airport’s role as Australia’s Pacific hub. The service offers Queenslanders an easy escape to paradise on our doorstep. It also provides the growing number of people from Vanuatu now living in Queensland, particularly those working in the agricultural sector, with direct access to home and family.”
Vanuatu Tourism Office CEO Adela Issachar Aru says: “The launch of Qantas’ inaugural flight from Brisbane to Port Vila marks a significant milestone for Vanuatu’s tourism industry and strengthens our connectivity with Australia. Vanuatu offers an unforgettable escape, where travellers can immerse themselves in stunning landscapes, rich kastom, and adventure. We can’t wait to welkam Qantas customers to our shores and share the beautiful experiences our 83 islands have to offer.”
The new service will be operated by a Qantas Boeing 737 aircraft on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday. All Qantas fares include checked baggage, complimentary food and beverages, and seat selection. Qantas Frequent Flyers will also earn Qantas Points and Status Credits on eligible flights.
Qantas upgrades business travel
A range of enhancements have been made to the Qantas Business Rewards program for small and medium-sized Australian businesses. The program changes are in response to direct member feedback, and include:
- Greater flight savings across a wider selection of international fares – up to 10 percent for Level 3 members, up to 9 percent for Level 2 members and up to 6 percent for Level 1 members, on flights to 1,300 destinations with Qantas, oneworld and partner airlines. Members also have access to exclusive offers in addition to these always-on flight savings.
- More Qantas Points earned on Qantas Hotels – up to 6 points earned for every $1 spent on hotels booked via the Business Account (an increase from 4 points earned previously). That’s now 3 points for the business, and 3 points for the Frequent Flyer.
- Faster member level progression – bigger rewards and savings unlocked sooner with points across an entire trip counting towards the membership level, from car hire and Qantas Hotels bookings to eligible Qantas and Jetstar flights.
Members also have more opportunities to earn points across the Jetstar network. Three of the new Jetstar bundles (Flex, Flex Plus and Business Max) now enable members to earn Qantas Points for their business. More than 550,000 businesses are part of the Qantas Business Rewards program, ranging from sole traders to enterprises with several hundred employees. Members earn Qantas Points for eligible business travel and can access significant savings and rewards across three membership levels. This is in addition to the Qantas Points and Status Credits that the traveller earns as a Qantas Frequent Flyer.