Qantas will begin flights between Orange and Sydney from 1 May this year.

QantasLink will fly 11 return flights between Orange and Sydney on a mix of Q300 and Q200 aircraft adding more than 45,000 seats on the route each year.

 “After years of locals calling for the flying kangaroo, the iconic red tail will touch down at Orange Airport for the first time in May,” said QantasLink CEO John Gissing,

“Orange is a thriving place with an increasingly diverse economy. There’s growing demand for a premium airline to connect business and leisure travellers.”

Orange Mayor Reg Kidd said the Qantas announcement will be a major boost for the region and tourism.

“Visitors to Orange are spending $500 million a year and having an extra airline to bring them here is only going to add to that,” Cr Kidd said.

“Orange’s passenger numbers have been growing steadily in recent years as the regional economy has expanded, using the airport as a key connection. It’s fantastic that Qantas see themselves as part of this growing region.

Last financial year 79,240 passengers flew through the Orange Regional Airport, up from 70,505 the year before.

To celebrate the new route, Qantas is offering special introductory fares of $129, for travel between 1 May 2020 and 25 October 2020. Orange residents can join the Qantas Frequent Flyer program for free until 28 February 2020.