OREANDA-NEWS. QantasLink today announced it will start flying to Whyalla next year, broadening travel options for customers on its expanding network.

QantasLink will offer a double daily service on its 50-seat Q300 aircraft from 13 April 2015, providing 1300 seats a week, or more than 65,000 seats a year, between Whyalla and Adelaide.

QantasLink Chief Executive Officer John Gissing said the new route will expand business and tourism opportunities for the Whyalla community.

"We have great confidence in the Whyalla market and we're really looking forward to starting services in April next year," Mr Gissing said.

"QantasLink will operate the largest, quietest and most comfortable aircraft on the Whyalla route, providing customers with seamless connectivity to Qantas' domestic and international network.

"Our double daily services will provide an additional 65,000 seats a year between Whyalla and Adelaide, giving an enormous boost to the Whyalla economy."

Whyalla City Council Mayor Jim Pollock said the new service will create more opportunities for people to visit, experience and do business in Whyalla.

"Council' USD 3 million airport upgrade is a testament to our commitment to making Whyalla a great place to live, work and invest," Councillor Pollock said.

"Council welcomes and looks forward to QantasLink's new service which will help increase and promote business and tourism opportunities in the City and region."

To celebrate the launch the new service QantasLink is offering a launch sale fare of USD 79 one way on sale until 23 December 15 for travel between 13 April 2015 - 11 October 2015.

Whyalla will be the 58th destination on the QantasLink network and the third South Australian destination after Adelaide and Port Lincoln.