The new return service takes the total Friday services to five and adds to the airline's existing 27 return flights per week between the two ports. It follows a recent agreement reached between council and Qantas on fees and charges for the national carrier's continued use of the airport's facilities.

The additional flight will leave Sydney at 11am each Friday and begin its return journey from Armidale at 12.40pm.

Mayor Simon Murray said high-standard airline services were a big contributor to the prosperity of the region, offering enhanced connectivity for business and residents, and additional flights were a further boost.

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"Council is actively pursuing a number of partnerships and other ventures to grow this region and enable business to flourish," he said.

"Many of these initiatives are underpinned by quality transport services and this month's extension of Qantas services is a major step in the right direction.

"In our increasingly global society, quick and convenient transport links are essential to attract residents and commerce to the Armidale region, or to enable local business to expand."

Cr Murray thought the $10.5 million upgrade of Armidale Regional Airport in 2017, made Armidale the gateway to the Northern Tablelands by providing an improved experience for travellers. He said larger planes being able to land at the airport also contributed to a rise in the number of passengers using the facility.

"It's fantastic to see Qantas further demonstrating its commitment to the area," he said.