Qantas Upgrades Regional South Australian Flights with Larger Aircraft and Enhanced Service

(IN SHORT) Qantas has upgraded its regional flights in South Australia by introducing larger Q400 aircraft, offering more seats, faster travel, and improved reliability for routes connecting Adelaide to Port Lincoln, Whyalla, Mount Gambier, and Kangaroo Island. The airline is also enhancing its in-flight beverage offerings with South Australian wines, supporting both tourism and the local economy.

(PRESS RELEASE) Adelaide, Australia, 2025-Feb-18 — /Travel PR News/ — Qantas has announced a significant upgrade to its regional routes in South Australia, enhancing connectivity and passenger experience by introducing larger QantasLink Q400 turboprop aircraft on all flights between Adelaide and key regional destinations. This change marks a major improvement for travellers in Port Lincoln, Whyalla, Mount Gambier, and Kangaroo Island, with a notable increase in seat capacity and reliability.

The upgrade is part of Qantas’s broader investment in regional Australia, which includes the acquisition of 14 new Q400s for its fleet. With this transition, Qantas will have three Q400s based in South Australia, increasing the airline’s commitment to the region. The new Q400 aircraft, which offer 74 seats, will replace the smaller Q300 aircraft, which have just 50 seats and are gradually being phased out. Qantas operates over 50 return flights per week connecting Adelaide to these regional cities, offering essential travel options for both residents and tourists as well as business and resource travel.

Rachel Yangoyan, CEO of QantasLink, highlighted the importance of the change, stating, “Today marks a pivotal moment for regional South Australia. The larger Q400 aircraft not only bring more seats and faster flight times but also reinforce our commitment to providing reliable, convenient services to regional communities.”

In addition to enhancing the flight experience, Qantas is also elevating its in-flight beverage offerings. Starting in mid-March, eight new regional wines will be served across all QantasLink turboprop flights, with six of them sourced from renowned South Australian wineries such as Stonehaven, Pioneer Road, and Angove. This initiative is aimed at promoting local tourism and supporting the South Australian economy by showcasing the state’s premium wines to over 3.5 million passengers annually.

Brenton Cox, Managing Director of Adelaide Airport, welcomed the development: “Regional flights are vital to our communities. The introduction of larger, more modern aircraft on these routes is a huge win for regional passengers, benefiting everyone from business travellers to tourists, and enhancing connectivity for our local economy.”

Tourism Minister for South Australia, Zoe Bettison, expressed excitement about the improvements: “The introduction of faster, larger aircraft will not only improve travel times but also increase capacity, making it easier for tourists to explore our beautiful regions. This is an exciting step towards boosting South Australia’s visitor economy and ensuring we remain a leader in regional aviation and tourism.”

The new Q400 flights are set to begin immediately, with the following schedule:

• QF2596 Adelaide – Mount Gambier: 12:40 PM – 13:40 PM
• QF2587 Adelaide – Port Lincoln: 12:55 PM – 13:50 PM
• QF2564 Adelaide – Kangaroo Island: 16:15 PM – 16:55 PM
• QF2577 Adelaide – Whyalla: 16:20 PM – 17:15 PM

Additionally, the new wine offerings will feature a selection of South Australian wines, including:

• Pioneer Road (Pinot Grigio) – Langhorne Creek, Adelaide, SA
• Stonehaven (Riesling) – Limestone Coast, Adelaide, SA
• Angove (Sauvignon Blanc) – Renmark & McLaren Vale, Adelaide, SA
• Hardys (Shiraz) – McLaren Vale, Adelaide, SA
• Pioneer Road (Cabernet Sauvignon) – Langhorne Creek, Adelaide, SA
• Angove (Shiraz Cabernet) – Renmark & McLaren Vale, Adelaide, SA

Qantas’s operations in South Australia contribute to over 870 local jobs, and Qantas Freight handles around 10 million kilograms of freight in and out of the state. With these upgrades, Qantas is reinforcing its role as a vital connector for South Australia’s people and economy.

Media Contact:

email: qantasmedia@qantas.com.au

Source: Qantas

###

Subscribe to Notifications