Qantas flies Melbourne-Ayers Rock direct

(Travelpress) Qantas will begin the first-ever direct service
between Melbourne and Ayers Rock on June 26.

The airline will operate four Boeing 737 services a week on the new
route, a move welcomed by tourism operators in the Red Centre.

"This new service will create at least $2 million of potential new
business each year for Voyages Ayers Rock Resort," Voyages CEO Grant
Hunt said.

"It will have an enormous flow on effect for the tourism industry and
regional economy by stimulating domestic travel in a lucrative
market."

Qantas also believes the move will boost Australian tourism.

"It will now be even easier for Victorians to visit some of the
greatest tourist attractions in the Northern Territory, including
Uluru and Kata Tjuta," Qantas Executive General Manager John Borghetti
said.

"As Uluru is one of the top Australian attractions for overseas
visitors, by opening a non-stop route from Ayers Rock to Melbourne, we
are making it easier for international tourists to include Victoria in
their itineraries."

One-way fares on the route will be priced from $199, including taxes
and charges.