Exciting new chapter in Moree aviation history as Qantas Q400 touches down

An important chapter of aviation history was created at Moree Airport when QantasLink flight 2182 touched down at precisely 1.36pm, heralding the start of larger passenger planes to Moree.

An increase in demand for more seating on return flights prompted Qantas to upgrade the Moree to Sydney service, using Qantas Dash 8 Q400 series aircraft.

A Qantas spokesperson said the airline was utilising changes and upgrades to several regional networks.

“We’re changing our mix of aircraft on some regional routes to strengthen our operational reliability and better meet local demand,” the spokesperson said.

“The Q400 aircraft will add more than 316 seats per week to the Moree route where demand has increased over the past year.”

Moree Mayor Mark Johnson said the advancement to larger aircraft for selected flights was a positive move for the shire.

“Council is thrilled with this very positive change by Qantas for our Sydney air service,” Cr Johnson said.

“This is a very historic day for Moree. Our relationship with Qantas is very dear to the Moree community and reflects the importance of the service to Qantas with the introduction of the larger Q400 aircraft.

“Our shire is so fortunate to have this wonderful service and we acknowledge our close and longstanding relationship with Qantas, and thank them for their ongoing support of our community,” he said.

Cr Johnson was joined by a large group of dignitaries, including Moree Council general manager Kelvin Tytherleigh, councillor Greg Smith, Qantas regional sales and development manager Josh Hogan, QantasLink operations manager Luke McCabe, council’s director of engineering services John Dyer, Tourism Moree chair Vivien Clyne and QantasLink pilots, Lucinda Brown and Michael Snowden.

“It was a smooth flight and the weather was beautiful. The entire journey took just on one hour, which is about 20 minutes to half-an-hour faster than the smaller planes,” Mr Snowden said.
Also on the tarmac to welcome the Q400 was Geoff Cox and Sam Carruthers from Newpave Asphalt, the Moree company tasked with major resealing projects at Moree Airport.

“We’ve done a lot of work here so far, and there is still plenty more to do,” Mr Carruthers said.

The Q400 was greeted by a water-cannon salute by the Gurley and Pallamallawa Rural Fire Services, with RAAF 339 Air Cadets Squadron assisting with on-site operations.

Vivien Clyne said Tourism Moree has enjoyed a close, working relationship with Qantas over many years.

“We definitely look forward to extending that relationship,” Ms Clyne said.

“It’s really wonderful to see council’s investment in Moree Airport and related projects are going to complement the special activation precinct and the inland rail projects that are happening, which will develop Moree as a key logistics hub for freight in Australia.

“With these increased seat on our Qantas daily flights from Sydney to Moree, we’re primed to expand business and tourism in our region.

“This allows us to work more with business on the ground to improve confidence and develop new tourism products.

“I know a lot of work has been done behind the scenes to develop the airport as well as the masterplan for future development, and it is really important for Tourism Moree to work with council to ensure a bright future for tourism in the region,” she said.

The Qantas Dash 8 Q400 series can accommodate 74 economy seats, with a maximum take-off weight of nearly 29,000kg.

The aircraft’s cruising altitude is 25,000 feet, with an average cruising speed of 667kmh.