QantasLink will increase services to Mackay and Rockhampton in Central Queensland from April 6.

And fellow Qantas subsidiary Jetstar is to change some of its services in the region.

Under the enhanced schedule, QantasLink will operate:

* 24 weekly return services between Mackay and Brisbane - an increase of eight services per week.
* 47 weekly return services between Rockhampton and Brisbane - an increase of six services per week.

Those increases will be accompanied by changes to Jetstar’s operations in Mackay and Rockhampton. Jetstar will increase weekly return Mackay-Brisbane services from 21 to 28 from May 10 and cease Rockhampton-Brisbane services on May 9.

Qantas says the combined changes will increase overall Qantas Group capacity across Mackay and Rockhampton by more than 2000 seats each week.

QantasLink executive manager, Narendra Kumar, said the airline’s enhanced schedule would be operated by new 74-seat Q400 aircraft and particularly benefit business travellers.

“This latest increase in our Queensland regional operations is a further demonstration of our commitment to these communities and to communities across the state,” Kumar said.

“All of our new services will be operated by our Q400 premium regional fleet, and these additional QantasLink services from Brisbane into both Mackay and Rockhampton are scheduled to operate at peak travel times.

“The additional Mackay services will include a weekday flight departing Brisbane at 6.35am and departing from Mackay at 8.45am. The additional Rockhampton service will depart Brisbane at 5.30pm and depart from Rockhampton at 7.10pm.

“Increased frequency is always valued by our customers, and our flight times will particularly benefit business travellers wishing to connect to Qantas’s broader domestic and international networks in Brisbane and beyond.

QantasLink has invested over $600 million in 21 new Q400s since 2006, with 10 aircraft based in Queensland. The airline provides about 1900 flights each week to 54 destinations, including 22 across Queensland.

Passengers booked on a Jetstar service from May 10 will be given the option to transfer to a QantasLink service.

Qantas said a review of group operations into Rockhampton determined that QantasLink was best placed to grow its operations in this market, with Jetstar to grow its presence in other parts of Queensland.