Strategic Airlines, Australia’s newest full service airline has added Gladstone to its list of destination with plans for 20 jet flights weekly between Gladstone and Brisbane commencing from 18 April, 2011.

Strategic Airlines will introduce two daily return flights Monday to Friday linking Gladstone and Brisbane with flights operated by an Airbus A320 jet aircraft. The aircraft will feature 8 business class seats and 144 economy seats.

Brisbane-Gladstone flights will depart Brisbane Airport from Monday to Friday at 6.10am and 2.45pm arriving in Gladstone at 7.15am and 3.50pm.

Gladstone to Brisbane flights will depart Gladstone Airport at 8.25am and 4.35pm arriving in Brisbane 9.30am and 5.40pm respectively.

In-flight services will include complimentary meals and refreshments for all passengers.

“It gives me great pleasure to announce Strategic’s commencement of Brisbane - Gladstone services, not only do we now offer the people of Gladstone a jet service but also greater availability of seats, affordable fares and competition to the Gladstone market” said Strategic Airlines Founder and Executive Director Mr Michael James.

“After discussions and consultation with the Gladstone Area Promotion and Development Ltd, Gladstone Regional Council, local businesses, tourism and the mining industry it was our obvious next new destination,” he said.

“We are tremendously impressed with the development of the Gladstone area and the future growth projections expected. The commitment already shown by the City’s leaders to the needs of the Gladstone community and the city’s tourism, investment and lifestyle aims gives us great comfort working closely with the City of Gladstone with our new services.

“We look forward to providing greater access and additional capacity to South East Queensland, bringing more visitors to the region’s magnificent beaches, island resorts and stunning coastline and to offering more affordable fares to the many industries located in the Gladstone area and of course the local people of the Gladstone Region,” he said.

Mr James said Australian travellers could look forward to more affordable full service fares on additional domestic and international routes as Strategic Airlines continues to steadily expand its Australian network in 2011.

Fares for the new flights go on sale from today starting from $59* one-way and Business seats from $399, one-way inclusive of taxes. To book, visit www.flystrategic.com or go to participating travel agents.