Qantas new discounted fares scheme will open for flight bookings from November 14 and was announced last month in response to complaints from residents about the high cost of air travel.

Under the scheme eligible residents of Mount Isa and Cloncurry will be able to access a variable discount of up to 30 per cent on the Qantas controlled-component of return fares (xcluding taxes, security and airport charges) for personal travel between their local airport and both Brisbane or Townsville.

This means the Cloncurry to Brisbane route is now included in the scheme, which didn’t appear to be the case when it was first announced.

However to access the discounted fares, eligible residents need to be members of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program.

Qantas say signing up to the Frequent Flyer program will give residents a simplified way to book the special fares, as it automatically links their booking to their residential address.

Qantas is waiving the regular Qantas Frequent Flyer join fee of $89.50 and residents can sign up at qantas.com/freejoin.

Fares will be available for booking via local travel agents in Mount Isa and Cloncurry or online via a dedicated website link which will be provided to residents and communities at the time of launch.

Fares may only be used for personal travel.

The discount will be available on all Economy fare classes except for sale fares, for purchase up to and including the day of travel and eligible residents will need to book a return flight on Qantas or QantasLink services to Brisbane or Townsville from the airport closest to their residential address.

Discounted fares will be limited to four return flights per year per resident and the scheme will be run as a 12-month trial, for bookings up until 14 November 2018, during which Qantas will review the uptake and revenue impact.

Qantas is also in discussions with regional airports and councils about reducing their airport charges which may enable further savings to be passed on to residents. Mount Isa Airport will be reducing airport passenger charges, which means a greater discount will be available for residents of Mount Isa.

Qantas Domestic CEO Andrew David said they have listened to residents in Mount Isa and Cloncurry. 

“The per kilometre cost on a small aircraft is significantly higher than a larger aircraft between major cities, because the costs are divided by a much higher number of passengers,” Mr David said.

“These regional routes don’t have the levels of demand needed to sustain a much larger aircraft and we want to maintain the frequency of services.

“Regardless of the reasons we know the higher relative costs can be frustrating for residents when they need to travel, especially at short notice.”