Gold Coast Airport welcomed Jetstar’s first direct service between the Gold Coast and Mackay over the weekend.
The service, operated by an A320 aircraft, provides an additional 131,400 seats per year between the two destinations.
Gold Coast Airport Chief Operating Officer Paul Donovan said Gold Coast and Mackay airports have worked 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 the service,” Mr Donovan said.
Jetstar Australia and New Zealand CEO David Hall said the new flights were part of the airline’s commitment to be the low fares leader in Queensland.
“We’ve been serving Mackay and the Gold Coast region since we first took to the skies in May 2004.
“So this service is quite historic for us and Jetstar is the only carrier to provide a connection between Mackay and the Gold Coast.
“We offer 2520 low fares seats between the two destinations with our fares starting at $79 plus baggage and other optional extras.”
“We operate more flights to and from and throughout Queensland than any other low fares airline,” Mr Hall said.