Plans by QANTAS to reduce the number of flights between Devonport and Melbourne have been roundly criticised by community, tourism and political figures.
The Flying Kangaroo says it will remove seven flights a week in each direction from its current 27-flights a week schedule over the next six months, but at the same time phasing in new larger aircraft.
QANTAS says the current Q300 aircraft, which carry 50 passengers, will be replaced by Q400s, which have a capacity of 78 passengers.
However, the net loss will be more than 200 seats a week.
QANTAS says once the new aircraft are in service, flight numbers will again increase to more than an extra 100 seats a week on current capacity.
Devonport Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Claire Connell has labelled the plans a disgrace.
Senator Richard Colbeck says they will have a negative impact on the community, especially with the removal of some early morning flights.
Devonport Mayor Alison Jarman says the reduced flight frequency is a slap in the face after Devonport was recently named as Australia’s Premier Tourist Town.
QANTAS, which also operates daily flights between Wynyard and Melbourne has not said if those flights will be affected with the introduction of the larger aircraft.
