Following the news of Qantas reducing airfares for Mount Isa locals, the owners of the local airport have come up with their own saving for travellers.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Queensland Airports Limited said Monday they woud cut the airport charges by two to seven dollars off their current charges of $20 to $30.
QAL CEO Chris Mills said airport charges are a small percentage of the total airfare price.
“But we understand that every dollar counts and have long supported the calls for reduced airfares in regional Queensland,” Mr Mills said.
“QAL is pleased to confirm we will apply the same discount to airport charges that Qantas has announced for the benefit of the local community.”
Member for Mount Isa Robbie Katter said they had been working with QAL behind the scenes.
“I am really pleased to be able to announce today they will match the discounts being offered by Qantas as a percentage of landing charges”, Mr Katter said.
Mr Katter called it another win for outback travellers.
“This is a good start from Qantas, but not the total solution,” he said.
“We haven’t heard anything yet from Virgin and Rex who also operate out of Mount Isa, although Rex did proudly announce last week a quadrupling in profit from last year to this year.”
Mr Katter said he would keep pressure on the airlines and ask the State Government in Parliament this week to follow Western Australia’s lead and launch a full Government inquiry into airline airfares and practices in Regional Queensland.
Mount Isa Mayor Joyce McCulloch said it was good to see Qantas listening to local concerns.
“It’s a good start, let’s see how it goes after the 12 month trial,” Cr McCulloch said.