The West Australian, Perths daily newspaper, is reporting Qantas Airways are launching a direct service between Sydney and Newman. The town of Newman in the Pilbra region of Western Australia is a important mining hub.
The service will use Boeing 737-800s, offering 168 seats, every Tuesday from May 15. The introductory fare will be $249 one way (source Qantas website).
Qantas' WA regional general manager, Ian Gay, said the route would meet demand from regional communities and the State's resources sector.
"Western Australia is a very important market for Qantas and we are always focused on identifying market demands and responding," Mr Gay said.
"This direct service offers a new link between the East Coast and the Pilbara region for both business and leisure travellers."
The service will add to Qantas' 29 services between Perth and Newman each week. Newman is also serviced by Virgin Airlines and Skywest Airways.
The introduction of this route is a further sign of the peak period capacity problems at Perth Airport.
http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/wa/13373697/sydney-air-link-for-pilbara/ for a summary of the article.