The regional airline which currently operates a fleet of 63 aircraft, will offer a double daily service using its 50-seat Q-300 aircraft, providing 1,300 seats a week between Whyalla and Adelaide, and will be the second airline to offer the route alongside Regional Express.

QantasLink Chief Executive Officer, John Gissing said the new route will expand both business and tourism opportunities for the Whyalla community. The announcement follows the completion of a $2.72 million upgrade of Whyalla Airport.

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

The regional brand of the airline currently flies to 57 metropolitan and regional destinations across Australia and Papa New Guinea, and the new service will provide an additional 65,000 seats a year between Whyalla and Adelaide.

“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,” added Mr Gissing.

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’ $3 million airport upgrade is a testament to our commitment to making Whyalla a great place to live, work and invest,” he said.

Whyalla will be the third South Australian destination offered by the airline after Adelaide and Port Lincoln, and will operate year-round.

Transport and Infrastructure Minister Stephen Mullighan said the extra flights would provide a boost to the local economy.

"The Whyalla region is experiencing significant growth in the mining and resource processing industries, along with renewable energy projects," he said.