WORK has started on Mount Isa airport to accommodate Virgin Australia which returns to Mount Isa next month more than a decade after quitting the route.
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Qantas has held a monopoly on the Brisbane to Mount Isa route since Virgin withdrew from Mount Isa in 2001, citing competition from Qantas had squeezed it out.
However, a heads of agreement was entered into by Xstrata Mount Isa Mines and Virgin Australia in May to support the new services that will see Virgin flying a 92-seat, Embraer E190 return from Mount Isa to Brisbane, Monday to Friday, starting Wednesday, August 8.
Queensland Airport Limited's regional airport's chief operating officer in Townsville, Kevin Gill, said work was underway to accommodate Virgin Australia in the check-in area and modifications were being made to equipment in the departure lounge to accommodate Virgin's software prior to Virgin's first flights on August 8.
"We're also doing some re-organising of aircraft parking," Mr Gill said.
Although Virgin flights were coming in and departing earlier than Qantas flights (departing Mount Isa at 9.10am and arriving from Brisbane at 8.40am, Monday to Friday), Mr Gill said the airport would be busier with the addition of Virgin's flights.
"Traffic through the airport is increasing anyway and we're looking at other pinch points in the terminal and on the tarmac to ensure we're able to facilitate extra traffic," Mr Gill said.
Mount Isa airport underwent a $14 million upgrade, including a new departure lounge in 2010.
A website search showed Virgin Australia's cheapest option for Mount Isa to Brisbane flights on Virgin Australia cost $185 each way, $370 for the return trip.
The cheapest options for the same date flights in August on Qantas would cost $548 return.
Airline Service Agents, contractors for Virgin Australia, has been advertising in The North West Star for three positions in preparation for the August 8 flight: Manager, guest services and ramp services.