The first-ever year round direct service connecting Auckland to the Sunshine Coast touched down on Friday morning marking the start of the three times weekly Jetstar trans-Tasman service.
Passengers on the inaugural flight were greeted by the Sunshine Coast’s iconic surf lifesaver community, enthusiastic locals, and a warm welcome that showcased the spirit of the region.
The event was attended by Minister for the Environment and Tourism, Minister for Science and Innovation Andrew Powell, Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Rosanna Natoli and Noosa Council Deputy Mayor Brian Stockwell who joined airport officials and local tourism representatives in welcoming Jetstar’s new service and celebrating the stronger connection between Australia and New Zealand.
Tourism Noosa chief executive officer (CEO) Sharon Raguse said the new service is a game-changer for the region.
“Throughout the region, tourism operators are looking forward to welcoming more of our friends from across the ditch,” Ms Raguse said.
“New Zealand is a key international market for Noosa, welcoming 24,000 visitors for the year ending June 2024 and importantly injecting almost $30 million into the Noosa economy.
“This new direct service will further strengthen the connection between Noosa and New Zealand, offering Kiwi travellers an even more seamless opportunity to experience our stunning destination.”
Sunshine Coast Airport CEO Chris Mills was delighted to welcome Jetstar’s new Auckland to Sunshine Coast service.
“Jetstar linking the Sunshine Coast and Auckland year-round is a significant milestone for our community. We are already seeing strong passenger demand on future services helping grow both tourism and local business here on the Coast,” Mr Mills said.
“New Zealand visitors are an essential part of our tourism economy. We’re excited to now offer them year-round services to access everything the Sunshine Coast has to offer.
“This route not only opens doors for Kiwi travellers but also provides Sunshine Coast locals with more affordable and direct access to Auckland and onwards to New Zealand’s many tourism destinations.
“I want to thank Jetstar, the Queensland Government and our tourism partners for helping make today possible.”
With three flights per week on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, the new route will create more than 58,000 new low fare seats each year between the two destinations.
Jetstar’s executive manager, customer, Jenn Armor said the airline is excited to be growing its network from the Sunshine Coast.
“The Sunshine Coast is one of Jetstar’s most popular destinations and it’s great to be launching these new routes and bringing more people to this beautiful part of the world,” Ms Armor said.
“The new service will not only benefit tourists, but it will also help connect the Sunshine Coast’s large population of Kiwi ex-pats with their home country.
“We thank the Queensland Government and Sunshine Coast Airport for their commitment to low fares travel.”
Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said this flight enables better access between the Sunshine Coast and Auckland, which will significantly benefit the region.
“These regular flights, supported through the Attracting Aviation Investment Fund, are expected to create more than 29,000 new inbound seats each year to the Sunshine Coast,” Mr Powell said.
“Queensland welcomes the most visitors from New Zealand than any other country in the world, so we are proud to prioritise making this travel as easy and direct as possible.
“Our Kiwi neighbours can now get from the tarmac to the beaches quicker than ever, whether staying in Maroochydore or Noosa. Our 20-year tourism plan focuses on improving our accessibility and connectivity to the rest of the world, and this is a great example of this in action.”
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the first year-round international service was a great boost of confidence for our region and would help promote connectivity and growth ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“These flights will attract visitors from New Zealand to our beautiful region all year round and help so many local businesses flourish – from our coast to our hinterland.
“New Zealand is our largest international market attracting more than 80,000 visitors annually, and the new flights will bring another influx of travellers, which will be a major boost for our tourism sector – and it is sure to be a winner with more than 14,000 Kiwis living on the Sunshine Coast.
“We invite New Zealanders to come over the ditch and experience every season of our Sunshine Coast Biosphere.”
CEO Visit Sunshine Coast Matt Stoeckel said, “We know the New Zealand market has a great affinity with the Sunshine Coast: it’s our biggest international market and has great potential to grow with the added convenience of Kiwis being able to fly directly here year-round with this inaugural Jetstar service.
“Our team has undertaken trade missions to New Zealand in advance of the service and our new Sunshine Moments campaign is our biggest consumer campaign ever in the NZ market, with imagery and messaging that we’re confident will inspire even more Kiwis to visit.
“This year-round service is sure to be a game changer, and its success will hopefully attract further direct services from other New Zealand cities in the future.”
