JETSTAR TO FLY DIRECT TO MACKAY

Gold Coast Airport management have today welcomed Jetstar’s announcement that direct services between the Gold Coast and Mackay will commence mid-year.

Gold Coast Airport Chief Operating Officer Paul Donovan said Gold Coast and Mackay airports have been working collaboratively for some time to bring the service to fruition.

“We’ve known for some time that the numbers stack up for this service, the passenger demand is there, so we had a strong business case to take to the airlines.

“A passenger survey conducted by Mackay Airport recently revealed that 85% of passengers surveyed would like to see a direct Mackay – Gold Coast service.

“We also know that approximately 77,000 passengers utilising the Mackay – Brisbane service then on- travel to the Gold Coast annually.

“This new route will help satisfy a growth in demand for a direct connection from leisure, VFR (visiting friends and relatives) and FIFO (Fly in fly out) markets.

“We look forward to working with both Jetstar and Mackay Airport to ensure the success of this service,” Mr Donovan said.

Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games and Member for Currumbin, Jann Stuckey MP welcomed news of Jetstar’s new service to the Gold Coast.

“Australian’s are rediscovering their love for our ‘Famous for Fun’ Gold Coast. This new daily service allows more Queenslanders to enjoy our beautiful City.

“I congratulate all involved for securing these additional flights that will help us to achieve our goal to double annual overnight visitor expenditure from $15 billion to $30 billion by 2020.”

Mackay Airport General Manager, Rob Porter, welcomed the new link with Gold Coast Airport.

“We have worked closely with Jetstar and Gold Coast Airport for some time to establish this service so we are really excited to see it take off.

“We are confident it will be well utilised by Gold Coast based mining personnel, people coming here to enjoy our beautiful region, catch up with family and friends or attend events in Mackay such as the Mackay Airport Beach Horse Racing Festival. Meanwhile Mackay residents will look forward to enjoying all
the Gold Coast has to offer.”

This service will commence 28th June 2014 and will be operated by A320 aircraft, providing an additional 131,400 seats per year between the two destinations.