Size is right, says Qantas
Airline defends use of smaller planes to meet demand in Townsville
SMALLER Boeing 717 flights are being run on flights to Townsville by Qantas as part of a bid to increase profit margins.
Qantas Domestic chief executive officer Andrew David told investors in a briefing last week that the airline was “very, very focused on margin”.
Mr David said the use of additional 717 planes along the east coast “was a decision we make to protect margin”.
Earlier this week Mayor Jenny Hill criticised the increasing use of 717s on the Brisbane to Townsville flights amid a growing stoush over a proposed passenger charge intended to partially fund the Townsville Airport upgrade.
A Qantas spokesman said the airline was focused on using the “right aircraft on the right route to meet customer demand”.
“Changing the aircraft we operate on some routes allows us to manage fluctuations in demand while still providing our customers with the frequency of services they need,” he said.
“For example, having four flights a day operated by smaller aircraft is better than operating two flights a day with larger aircraft.
“Going from four flights a day to only two would mean customers have less choice of when they can fly.
“The Qantas Group operates a mix of aircraft into Townsville from the 174- seat Boeing 737- 800 to the 110- seat Boeing 717 and smaller propeller aircraft which are used on short flights along the coast.”
The redeveloped Townsville terminal would include doubling the departure lounge, a refurbishment of the checkin area, security screening upgrades, extra lower level boarding gates, new dining and retail outlets and a new Qantas lounge.
It’s understood a revamped terminal would also include space for a Virgin lounge.
The charge being disputed by Qantas is a $ 3 per passenger levy to be imposed after the completion of construction.
Brisbane Airport and Sunshine Coast Airport have both struck deals with airlines in recent years to fund upgrades.
Townsville Chamber of Commerce incoming president Debbie Rains said she was uncertain why Qantas was so opposed to the levy.
“As I understand, it is acceptable practice to ask an airline to pay increased charges in these circumstances,” she said. “This has been done before. “If Qantas has reached agreements in the past, I’m not sure why it can’t happen in this case.
“Perhaps it has to do with another airline being able to provide a lounge to their customers after the upgrade.”
A Virgin Australia spokeswoman would not comment on if the airline had plans to build its own lounge in the redeveloped terminal.
“The Virgin Australia Group is committed to connecting Townsville residents to the rest of Australia and the world and is supportive of necessary infrastructure developments to ensure the sustainable future of air services in this country,” she said.