During a special sightseeing charity flight for the National Breast Cancer Foundation Qantas Group general manager of regional airlines Narendra Kumar announced the larger $30 million Bombardier Q400 aircraft would fly to and from Tamworth at least twice a day and would overnight in Tamworth six times a week.

He said the new aircraft would fly 15 of the 27 services per week, an increase of 24 per cent capacity to 660 extra seats per week.

Mr Kumar said Tamworth was the first QantasLink NSW destination to get the bigger aircraft after a successful trial during the Country Music

Festival in January.

“We looked at many parts of the network and the QantasLink regional service has had a long-standing commitment to Tamworth,” he said.

The service, under the name of QantasLink, has been flying to Tamworth for 18 years.

“We have seen 10 per cent a year growth and the aircraft have gone up from 36 to the 50-seaters and now to the 72-seaters,” Mr Kumar said.

“We would like to see further passenger growth on the route and by introducing the larger aircraft we are trying to be pro-active about that and stimulate demand in the airline.”

Mr Kumar said this growth would not have been possible without working closely with Tamworth Regional Council.

“We are pleased to have a strong partnership with the council,” he said.

TRC airport manager Michael Dubois said it was fantastic news for Tamworth as council had been trying for sometime to get the larger aircraft to fly the route.

“Being the first regional airport to be chosen by QantasLink is a real coup for us.

“It will be a faster service also and it’s fantastic to see a jet service return to Tamworth with their aeroplane.”

The Q400 Dash 8 aircraft will begin on the morning and evening services between Tamworth and Sydney as well as other high-demand services during the week.

Qantas will take delivery of three Q400 aircraft in the next couple of months and the aircraft will start on the Tamworth route in early to mid-August.