PM calls Qantas boss on GF flights

PRIME Minister Malcolm Turnbull has added his weight to calls for better grand final transport options, as fans complain about the cost of flights between Townsville and Sydney over the weekend.

Mr Turnbull phoned Qantas chief executive officer Alan Joyce yesterday morning to talk about the issue.

“I’ve heard about the issues Cowboys fans have had getting to Sydney and I’m concerned about it. I rang Alan Joyce, the chief executive of Qantas, to raise the matter directly with him,” the Prime Minister said.

“Alan has said to me that they have put on some extra flights, some extra services, and he is looking to put on some more. I have encouraged him to do that.”

Mr Turnbull also said he would be supporting the Cowboys in the grand final.

“It is just an amazing Cinderella story, isn’t it?” he said.

“What an extraordinary comeback and to do all of that without JT is amazing.”

A Qantas spokeswoman said the airline had added four direct flights from Townsville to Sydney.

“We don’t normally operate non- stop services on this route, and these flights are on top of our regular flights via Brisbane,” she said.

“We’ve been continuing to monitor demand for these flights and there are still seats available, including on the direct flights to Sydney from $ 309 one- way.”

The airline also upgraded its Brisbane to Townsville flight on Monday from a Boeing 717 to a larger 737 to help fans making their way back to North Queensland.

Virgin has not added extra flights but worked with the Cowboys to arrange four charter flights.