Jetstar’s inaugural flight from the Sunshine Coast (Maroochydore) to Auckland took to the skies last week, marking a significant milestone for both regions. This new year-round, direct service is the only one of its kind between the two cities, poised to invigorate tourism economies on both sides of the Tasman Sea.
With up to three weekly flights operated by Airbus A320 aircraft, Jetstar will offer nearly 60,000 low-fare seats annually. This marks the airline’s first international service from the Sunshine Coast and its second new route from Maroochydore in the past fortnight, following the launch of flights to Cairns last week.
Jetstar’s Executive Manager, Customer, Jenn Armor expressed enthusiasm about the expansion. “The Sunshine Coast is one of our most popular destinations, and we’re thrilled to bring more visitors to this beautiful region. This new service will benefit both tourists and the large Kiwi expat community on the Sunshine Coast.
Sunshine Coast Airport CEO Chris Mills echoed the sentiment. “This direct link between the Sunshine Coast and Auckland is a major achievement for our community. We’re already seeing strong demand for future flights, which will drive tourism and local business growth.
New Zealand is a key market for us, and we’re excited to offer year-round access to all the Sunshine Coast has to offer. This route benefits both Kiwi travelers and locals seeking affordable, direct access to Auckland and beyond.
Minister for the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation Andrew Powell emphasized the positive impact of the new flight. “This service is supported by the Attracting Aviation Investment Fund. It will create over 29,000 additional inbound seats to the Sunshine Coast each year.”
Queensland welcomes more visitors from New Zealand than any other country. We’re committed to making travel as convenient and accessible as possible. Our Kiwi neighbors can now reach our beautiful beaches faster than ever, whether they’re staying in Maroochydore or Noosa. This aligns perfectly with our 20-year tourism plan, which prioritizes improving connectivity and accessibility to the world.
This new direct route is expected to have a significant impact on the tourism industry and local economy of both regions. For the Sunshine Coast, it opens up a new market of New Zealand tourists. Kiwis can now easily access the region’s stunning beaches, lush hinterland, and vibrant culture. Additionally, it provides a more convenient travel option for the large Kiwi expat community on the Sunshine Coast.
For Auckland, the new route offers increased connectivity to a popular tourist destination. It further strengthens its position as a major aviation hub in the Pacific. It also provides opportunities for businesses in both regions to expand their networks and explore new partnerships.
The launch of this new direct route to Auckland is a testament to the growing importance of the Sunshine Coast as a regional aviation hub. The region enjoys a strategic location and increasing popularity as a tourist destination. The airport is well-positioned to attract more airlines and routes in the future.
As air travel continues to evolve, the Sunshine Coast Airport commits to investing in infrastructure and improving passenger experience to meet the growing demand.. This includes expanding terminal facilities, upgrading runway infrastructure, and attracting new airlines to offer a wider range of destinations.
The new direct flight to Auckland is just the beginning of an exciting future for aviation on the Sunshine Coast. The region is typified by stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and growing economy. The Queensland region will become a major destination for international travelers.
