THE Moree to Sydney QantasLink schedule has been reduced from 10 flights per week to seven, with Qantas saying plane availability – not demand – is the reason for the cutback.

Moree Plains Shire mayor, Susannah Pearse, and council staff early last week met with QantasLink representatives and were advised the change meets new license agreement minimum requirements set by the State Government and Transport for NSW.

QantasLink told Cr Pearse the reason for the reduction was not so much about demand – passenger numbers have steadily increased in recent months – but availability of planes.

It is estimated 31,000 people used the Sydney to Moree service in 2023 and that figure has since grown.

The increase in demand prompted Qantas in June last year to upgrade the service to Dash 8 Q400 series aircraft on selected flights.

From mid-December, all QantasLink Moree flights were upgraded to the bigger aircraft.

With the 36-seater Q200 and 50-seater Q300 fleet retiring from active service in favour of the larger, 74-seater Q400 aircraft, availability is currently stretched.

QantasLink is awaiting the arrival of new aircraft as well as initiating rigorous pilot training to fly them.

“We highlighted (to QantasLink) these flights are more than just a numerical digit,” Cr Pearse said. “Each flight that’s been removed from the schedule represents a vital connection to the big smoke. “These connections include bringing specialists and GPs to town, getting our people to medical and education appointments, and keeping our economy going.”

The Moree to Sydney QantasLink schedule has been reduced from 10 flights per week to seven.

Cr Pearse said the Moree Plains and QantasLink have enjoyed a longstanding commitment to one another.

“The community has worked hard to keep QantasLink as our carrier for this vital route. At a time where neighbouring shires are losing their Sydney air services, we are fortunate to have one of only two regulated routes in New South Wales, with the national carrier as our partner,” Cr Pearse said.

“In recognition of the value we place on this relationship, last year Council worked closely with QantasLink to fast-track works to support their transition to the larger Q400 aircraft.”

Moree Regional Airport’s apron was significantly upgraded at a cost of approximately $1.2m to allow for additional parking.

“In addition, we are excited to have received $1m from the Australian Government to match a further $1m from Council to enable better aeromedical access,” Cr Pearse said.

“Our airport and our air service remain an important, strategic asset for our shire and region, and we have made it a priority.

“We have asked that QantasLink consult more broadly with Council – and the community – on the schedule changes.

“We know the change in flight departure and arrival times has also provided some challenges – if we are to have fewer flights, they need to be on the right days and times.

“We have also asked to look at using the smaller planes to fill the schedule. We will continue discussions with QantasLink representatives and Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison to explore ways to ensure our flight service provides the best utility for our community,” Cr Pearse said.