Air New Zealand’s seasonal service direct between Auckland and the Sunshine Coast Airport wrapped up on Friday 25 October having connected travellers across the ditch since early June.
The 2024 season saw Air New Zealand increase seat capacity by 12 per cent compared to the previous year thanks to the popularity of the Sunshine Coast as a destination. The increased demand was accommodated by utilising the more spacious A321 neo aircraft on several flights, boasting 214 seats.
Sunshine Coast Airport chief executive officer Chris Mills said Air New Zealand would wrap up their annual seasonal service between the Sunshine Coast and Auckland today after another successful year.
“This season has been a resounding success – the busiest since flights returned following the pandemic. It reinforces the popularity of our region,” Mr Mills said.
“We have welcomed thousands of Kiwis to the Coast, with many seeking winter sun holidays and time with friends and family.
“This seasonal service provided travellers across the Sunshine Coast with the opportunity to fly direct to Auckland where they were able to take advantage of Air New Zealand’s global routes to North America and Asia.
“Importantly, it gave locals the opportunity to explore New Zealand’s tourism experiences and connect with friends and family. We thank Air New Zealand for another positive season and look forward to welcoming them back in 2025.”
The national New Zealand carrier began their partnership with Sunshine Coast Airport in 2013 and since then has flown more than 130,000 people between the Sunshine Coast and Auckland.
Air New Zealand general manager Australia Kathryn O’Brien said the service is a popular one for both Kiwis and Aussies, providing more options to connect across the Tasman over the winter months.
“It’s fantastic to wrap up another successful season of flights between Auckland and the Sunshine Coast. The route has proved popular with our Kiwi customers looking to escape the New Zealand winter and Aussies heading across to make the most of the famous New Zealand ski season, or connect on to one of our destinations further afield. This season was the first with our new Seats to Suit offering available, giving travellers access to inflight entertainment, snacks, and affordable flexibility.
“We’re already looking forward to next season. It’s never too early for holiday makers and jetsetters to get flights locked in for next winter!”
Tourism and Events Queensland chief executive officer Patricia O’Callaghan said the successful season was an important part of a wider industry-led effort to boost international tourism to the state.
“Kiwis love the Sunshine Coast and who can blame them. It has been great to see the demand for this service over winter when they’ve swapped their cold climate for the coast’s warm and welcoming people, beaches and hinterland.
“The tourism industry right around the state has some ambitious growth goals, including almost doubling international visitor expenditure, so air services like this one are vital to achieving those goals. The Sunshine Coast has been the leader across Queensland in recovering international visitation since the pandemic which bodes well for the region’s future growth.
“We look forward to the ongoing partnerships the Sunshine Coast Airport has with airlines to bring even more visitors into the Sunshine Coast.”
