BRISBANE- Australian flag carrier, Qantas (QF) has launched its first-ever direct flight from Brisbane (BNE) to Port Vila (VLI), capital of Vanuatu.
The inaugural QF159 service operated with Boeing 737, registered as VH-VZU departed at full capacity, carrying tourists and business travelers on the three-hour journey to this Pacific island destination.
Qantas Brisbane to Vanuatu Flight
The new route offers thrice-weekly direct flights from Queensland. Starting December 12, 2024, Jetstar (JQ) will also introduce up to four weekly flights between Sydney (SYD) and Port Vila.
The route utilizes a Boeing 737 aircraft, offering 12 business class and 162 economy seats. Flight durations average 3 hours each way, with flight numbers QF159 for Brisbane to Port Vila and QF160 for the return journey.
Economy fares start at $796, while business class fares begin at $3,506. All tickets include checked baggage, complimentary food and beverages, and seat selection. Qantas Frequent Flyers earn Points and Status Credits on eligible flights, enhancing the value proposition for loyal customers.
This expansion will create over 150,000 new seats annually between Australia and Vanuatu, significantly improving access to the country’s beaches, culture, and unique experiences.
These new flight options are expected to boost tourism and strengthen economic ties between Australia and Vanuatu. The increased connectivity will likely stimulate the local economy and contribute to the broader Pacific region’s tourism sector by encouraging more Australian visitors.
Port Vila marks Qantas’ fourth new international route from Brisbane within a year. This launch follows the introduction of flights to Wellington and Honiara in October 2023.
The airline is set to inaugurate a Brisbane-Manila route in late October 2024, which will add another 100,000 seats annually between Australia and the Philippines.
Executive Remarks
Qantas Group CEO International Cam Wallace hails the launch of direct flights between Brisbane and Port Vila as a significant expansion of the airline’s network.
Wallace emphasizes the new route’s role in maintaining Australia’s connectivity with the South Pacific, creating fresh opportunities for leisure and business travel. He highlights Vanuatu’s natural beauty, describing it as a remarkable destination with lush landscapes and crystal blue waters.
Brisbane Airport CEO Gert-Jan Graaff underscores the new Qantas route’s importance in solidifying Brisbane Airport’s position as Australia’s Pacific hub.
Graaff points out the dual benefits of the service: it offers Queenslanders easy access to a nearby paradise and provides direct connections for the growing Vanuatu community in Queensland, particularly those in the agricultural sector, to their home and families.
Vanuatu Tourism Office CEO Adela Issachar Aru views the inaugural Qantas flight as a crucial development for Vanuatu’s tourism industry, strengthening ties with Australia.
Aru invites travelers to experience Vanuatu’s diverse offerings, including stunning landscapes, rich cultural traditions, and adventurous activities. She expresses enthusiasm about welcoming Qantas customers to explore the unique experiences available across Vanuatu’s 83 islands.
Qantas and Vanuatu History
This new route marks a significant expansion of Qantas’ presence in Vanuatu, building on a historical connection dating back to World War II.
During the war, Qantas operated Empire Flying Boats as charters between Noumea and Port Vila, transporting troops, freight, and even gold bullion.
The airline’s involvement in the region continued in the 1960s when, as the owner of Fiji Airways (FJ), it operated regular services between Nandi and Port Vila.
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