Qantas and Jetstar to launch new Vanuatu routes (Approved by IASC as of July 2024)

[jakeseven7]

More competition on the way with QF looking to utilise 738’s and E190’s, and JQ A321neos.

———

QANTAS POUNCES ON VANUATU AS ITS FLAG CARRIER FLOUNDERS​

Qantas and Jetstar are looking to move in on Australia-Vanuatu services following the collapse of flag carrier Air Vanuatu.

The Flying Kangaroo has applied for 1,798 seats per week in each direction for five years, with plans to start Qantas services in August and Jetstar services in October. The move will put Qantas in competition with Virgin Australia, currently the only airline operating Australia–Vanuatu flights.

Exclusive: Qantas pounces on Vanuatu as its flag carrier flounders

The Flying Kangaroo has applied for 1,798 seats per week in each direction for five years, with plans to start Qantas services in August and Jetstar services in October. The move will put Qantas in competition with Virgin Australia, currently the only airline operating Australia–Vanuatu flights.

australianaviation.com.au

 

[samh004]

I'd have thought the new A220 would be better suited?

 

[encryptededdy]

I'd have thought the new A220 would be better suited?

I get the impression they're not being delivered as fast as expected (and maybe they're having issues with the GTF engines?)

 

[PERLHR]

What a surprise..take away any competition and QF are in there like vultures.

 

[pauly7]

What a surprise..take away any competition and QF are in there like vultures.

Qantas were partners not competitors with Air Vanuatu… now they aren’t available, there it’s a gap in the QF network that they need to fill, so they are filling it…

Codesharing with Virgin probably isn’t on the radar

 

[oz_mark]

The story seems to gloss over the fact that Virgin applied for extra capacity on May 10.

 

[Himeno]

There's 3120 seats/week available on the Vanuatu route from the major AU ports (this air service agreement counts AVV as part of Melbourne).
VA asked for 1304 2 weeks ago.
The Qantas Group request leaves 18 seats available.
Maybe IASC should just split that remaining balance between QF and VA. No one else could really start a service with 18 seats a week.

 

[jakeseven7]

Qantas has been approved from IASC to launch Qantas and Jetstar flights utilising a mix of QF 73H’s, E190’s and Jetstar A321’s.

Qantas is planned to take the BNE route, starting 3 x a week moving to daily later.

Jetstar is planned to take the SYD route starting at 4 x a week.

 

[jakeseven7]

Press:

Qantas approved to compete with Virgin on Vanuatu route

The IASC has awarded the Flying Kangaroo 1,798 seats of capacity per week between Australia and Vanuatu, which Qantas plans to fly with a mixture of its own 737-800s, wet-leased Alliance E190s, and Jetstar’s A321neos, putting it in direct competition with Virgin Australia.

australianaviation.com.au

 

[AIRwin]

QF159/160 starting on 10 September:

https://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media-releases/qantas-and-jetstar-launch-direct-flights-to-vanuatu/

 

[AIRwin]

QF159/160 starting on 10 September:

https://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media-releases/qantas-and-jetstar-launch-direct-flights-to-vanuatu/

Inaugural flight is on its way:

https://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media-releases/qantas-takes-off-on-first-flight-to-vanuatu/

 

[PERLHR]

It's a great destination. Had fun there....but it's even more fun in VA biz. ,

 

[AIRwin]

JQ launch sale:

https://newsroom.jetstar.com/jetstar-celebrates-the-launch-of-low-cost-flights-to-vanuatu-with-sale-fares-from-just-199/

 

[AIRwin]

Daily frequency:

Qantas Increases Brisbane – Port Vila Service in NS25 — AeroRoutes

Published at 0700GMT 18MAR25 Qantas Airways in recent schedule update filed expanded service to Vanuatu, as the airline gradually increases Brisbane – Port Vila route during Northern summer 2025 season. Operated by Alliance Airlines Embraer E190 aircraft, the airline will increase from 3 to 4 we

www.aeroroutes.com

 

[Flyfrequently]

Yes @AIRwin this change has affected us.
In October, I booked DSC MEL-BNE-VLI 25 April on QF159. Flight change to QF353 was going to make it a tight connection, just meeting MCT.
At my request (pulled the age card!) Amex travel have moved us to fly to BNE the day before and we will stay at the Airport, most likely Pullman - any thoughts on this?

 

[HS-TQE]

Kind of makes sense. Daily on a smaller third party operated regional jet aircraft vs operating a few times weekly on a mainline 737.

 

[PERLHR]

Yes @AIRwin this change has affected us.
In October, I booked DSC MEL-BNE-VLI 25 April on QF159. Flight change to QF353 was going to make it a tight connection, just meeting MCT.
At my request (pulled the age card!) Amex travel have moved us to fly to BNE the day before and we will stay at the Airport, most likely Pullman - any thoughts on this?

Bit of an extra cost though with the hotel add on?

 

[Flyfrequently]

Yep @PERLHR
This trip is coming up to a "0" birthday for me.
We decided after bailing our kids out over time and having financed their kids teeth, gymnastics, holidays, etc , it is time for us to travel "stress free."
My rationale is that our night at the Pullman will be 150 bucks each they won't get when I fall off my perch

Hey, when the teen got a Taylor Swift ticket for $400........YMMV