Qantas has stolen a march on Regional Express Airlines (REX) by offering discounted fares on flights to Dubbo.
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The flying kangaroo launched the fares in a bid to encourage Sydneysiders to visit our region.
The fares also give Dubbo residents a chance to make a return trip to Sydney at a cheaper rate than previously offered.
Sale fares are available from Sydney to regional NSW cities for travel periods between December 2019 and mid-2020 and include a Sydney to Dubbo $119 one-way ticket.
Mayor of the Dubbo Region Ben Shields said he has lobbied for months through local and national media for city people to visit Dubbo while we are in the grip of one of the worst droughts in recorded Australian history.
Cr Shields and the Dubbo Regional Council have also gone toe to toe with REX over a similarly priced fare, with that airline tying any decrease in ticket prices to the council dropping security screening for its aircraft.
"More than ever before now is a great opportunity for Sydney-siders to plan their next holiday or weekend out to the Dubbo Region, especially when Australia's national airline gets behind an initiative like this with great airfares," Cr Shields said.
"The route to Dubbo is highly profitable, and it's serviced by one of the largest and busiest regional airports in NSW.
"For Qantas to open this route from Sydney by offering $119 one way fares is not only corporately responsible, but it's also showing a real commitment to the spirit of Australia.
"Flying out of Sydney to visit us, I highly recommend taking advantage of Qantas' $119 one way fares, take further advantage of Dubbo Region Great Big Adventure Pass, and take advantage of the great hospitality and tourism on offer throughout our region."
QantasLink CEO John Gissing said the discounted airfares present an excellent opportunity for residents of Western NSW to visit Sydney.
"We know much of Western NSW has been doing it tough through the drought," the CEO said.
"These sale fares are a great opportunity for Sydney residents to explore their home state and give a much-needed boost to regional communities.
"It is also a great chance for Western NSW residents to fly to Sydney and have a well-earned break in the city.
"Regional New South Wales is a spectacular place to visit with so much to see and do, and we encourage Sydneysiders to head west and experience it for themselves."
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